IJIN_Studios

Martin Papazian didn't do anything wrong when he put his heart into the production of LEAST AMONG SAINTS, a story regrettably true-to-life in its depiction of Anthony Hayworth, an 8-year veteran of the United States Marine Corp, struggling with his return to civilian life.

As a Writer Papazian does a wonderful job of weaving a believable story, with honest characters and situations, and just a few continuity issues (you know how I am about details) . And no, the story isn't anything new, or ground-breaking, but it is happening today and will continue into the near future. Hirsch-Papazian have produced a film every American, because there will be a military veteran in their future, a vet who often risked everything in our name, and may be needing some help adjusting to being home, in addition to our thanks.

As a Director Papazian brought out performances from his cast that are in-line with my own sense of reality. From the fresh-face of Tristan Lake Leabu, to the quirkiness of Laura San Giacomo (who i love and expect to be quirky) almost all of the performances felt organic.

Sgt. Anthony Hayworth, our returning hero struggles with his demons and Martin Papazian's performance as a man often at odds with himself, rings true, or as Anthony's ex-wife says, "He's a good guy, sometimes he just tries to hard." Martin's acting is never trying or hard, I spent a decade in the military community, and I've met men like Sgt. Anthony Hayworth before. He was a friend of mine.

I enjoyed "Lest Among Saints" because it made me think (that's my thing). And each of us are capable of becoming "least among saints", but only when we choose to give a darn about someone else, and then try to make a difference.

For more on Veterans assistance visit Fenix281.org

If you have a child in school tomorrow, or plan to have a child in school in the next decade, go see "Won't Back Down". Not because the writing is good, or the acting is good, but because the story could be from your own backyard, your own child's school.

This isn't a summer blockbuster like the "Avengers", and audiences loved the "Avengers", but none of us are super-heroes, nor will we ever be. We are all capable of being the type of hero so well portrayed by Maggie Gyllenhall and Viola Davis - Parents. Every adult, that experiences this film will understand that it does not take super-powers and a shiny costume to be a hero to a child, or a community.

So, yes, educating the next generation does matter. Who's going to be your Doctor, your Lawyer, your CEO in 30 years...a child being born today. If that child doesn't get an adequate education...how will they be able to achieve their dreams? How will our country survive through a generation of D and C students?

Go and enjoy "Won't Back Down" for what it is - Sometimes funny, sometimes heartwarming, striving to make us all see that somethings are worth fighting for.

An interesting mash-up of NAPOLEAN DYNAMITE works at THE OFFICE and becomes the GREATEST American HERO, but the hero looks a lot like SNL's "PAT". Which is to say, there is some room for growth of the series. So, the animation is amateurish, but we all remember how SOUTH PARK looked 15 years ago, and I'm looking forward to improvements that will surely come with experience from creator Daniel Gulla. Some of the animation "mistakes" did make me laugh though. ROBERT BURTON's Voices captured the essence of the male characters very well, and like SOUTH PARK & FAMILY GUY, I'll expect to see the rest of the cast make marked improvements over the run of the series. Where I appreciate the series is in it's ability to make me giggle. No huge guffaws here, but a lot of smiles and giggles. The jokes reminded me of stupid morons I've met in my everyday life, people that the law says I can't throw down a stairwell. And that's where a series like this gains it's following, by allowing viewers to see their own lives as not quite so bad, since their co-workers aren't likely to be blessed by a SUPREME BEING with the powers granted to PMS MAN. Oh GOD, I hope this isn't based on a true story. :-)