The Inspection

"French" (Jeremy Pope) is an itinerant gay man who, estranged from his prison office mother "Inez" (Gabrielle Union), has concluded that the only way to stop himself becoming subsumed into an underworld of drugs, disease and most likely death, is to join the US Marines. Having failed at just about everything else, his mother is somewhat sceptical, but to bootcamp he goes where he encounters the stereotypically brutish gunnery sergeant-major "Laws" (Bokeem Woodbine). It's all based on a true story directed and adapted from his own story by Elegance Bratton, so jeopardy here there isn't. That said, Pope and Woodbine are both on good form as the former runs the gamut of a tough training regime coupled with a prejudice against his sexuality that proves distinctly dangerous. His trainer offers him nothing by way of support or sympathy, intent on instilling the most primitive of "survival of the fittest" mentalities amongst all of his recruits. It is a little procedural, but it's still an interesting tale from a man who resisted the temptations to jack it all in - and sends a clear message of perseverance and determination that does resonate to a certain, predictable, extent. Essentially, though, it's a television movie that doesn't really need a cinema screening and though watchable and important, it isn't a story that will linger in the memory for long afterwards, I'm afraid.

As a Marine, it's hard for me to watch movies that feature the Marines, as they're usually highly inaccurate. This movie nailed the bootcamp experience and culture of the Marines. I'm glad the writer was also the director, because that definitely contributed to the accuracy of the story. Bokeem delivered in the role as the Senior Drill Instructor. Jeremy Pope gave a passionate performance in the lead role. This had a great story, outstanding actors, and is a very good film that I will definitely recommend to others, especially those who served in my beloved Marine Corps. Semper Fi and Oooh Rah!

Though the movie focus on a man whose gay and his experience going through the Marines Boot Camp, the movie actually examines a diverse group of young men going through the Marine Corps training. Of all the types you'll find your type that you can relate to.

I feel the movie makes you guess a little too much about the main character French's background. Most likely done on purpose as the purpose of the Marines is to have no background when you put on that uniform. Slowly along with the character we discover what type of man he can be without putting any further labels on him.

Find it ironic that the inspection actually was positive propaganda for the U. S Marine corps, casue what I saw a coming-of-age story that molded the story teller greatly.

It was a small picture which triggered great emotion.

The understated nature of this film is, overall, an asset, though at the same time, it undermines the clarity and impact of the overall story. Still, this is a clear eyed look at the trauma that a parent's disapproval can wreak, and the courage and determination of the protagonist to find an accepting "family" is both admirable and inspirational. Very fine, believable performances from all the cast, and the script never strikes any false or sentimentally objectionable notes. The crisp, ninety or so minute length is also a wise decision, the story doesn't need any more than that to be told convincingly. Good (if not brilliant) job!

Kicked out of home at age 16 by his single mother, likely because she found out he was gay, a black man eventually decided to turn his life around by joining the Marines, during the time of the Afghanistan War. This is mostly a docudrama about his time in boot camp. While he answered "no" to the question of "Are you a homosexual", shouted at all recruits early on (plus others like "Have you smoked marijuana, etc.), presumably his physical reaction to being in a shared-shower situation gave away his secret. In his continuing journey, he has both detractors and allies.

Given that this film is heavily biographical, despite the usual disclaimers, I wonder how the director will fare in a narrative that does not come from his own experiences.