I really wanted to love this. Not because I'm that much of a fan of 'war movies' in general, but I just liked the premise, i.e. seeing what it takes to be part of the S.A.S. (something that I would never be able to do myself, due to being too addicted to comfy sofas, Playstation and takeaway pizza – apparently the world's toughest soldiers aren't allowed any of these during missions).

The story follows two recruits (each with their own personal demons) as they go on an S.A.S. training mission in the British wilderness to see if they have what it takes. I won't tell you if they succeed or not, only that I wouldn't have made it for five minutes.

Noel Clarke (Kidulthood) is one of their various 'drill sergeant-type figures' who is there to mentor them as they go and he does his best to lift the film out of mediocrity. He's about the only star you may really recognise. And, perhaps that's one of the film's main faults: it screams 'cheapness' at all times. It has no real big name actors and the dialogue and acting talent on show isn't exactly top drawer. However, its bleakness does add a level of realism to the film that gives you quite an overall gritty tone.

I've read comments online about how there are blatant errors in the story. These seem to all come from people who have actually served in the military and can spot when a British soldier gives an American salute (I didn't even know there were two different types!). But, from my completely nonexistent military background, no 'factual errors' were apparent. If I had to guess I'd say this was a reasonable portrayal as to how tough recruits have it. I rolled my eyes more when our two recruits encounter an attractive woman on the train, only for her to 'coincidently' show up a few scenes later.

It's not perfect and definitely isn't for everybody. But if you're in the mood for something gritty and brutal, plus you like soldier movies in general, give it a go. It's not the longest of films, so you won't feel like you've invested too much of your life in it anyway.

http://thewrongtreemoviereviews.blogspot.co.uk/

Before I even went near this movie I read all the reviews and saw the rating so I started off with very low expectations, because the reviewers on IMBT are never wrong, right? LOL what a joke.

This turned out to be quite an enjoyable movie, nothing special, but not too shabby either. Most of the cast put in a good effort and it was good to see all the familiar faces (UK TV fan here).

While the some of the fighting near the end could have been done with improved choreography, for me it didn't really detract from the overall movie.

If you are going to see this don't expect too much, if you are looking for an over the top Hollywood blockbuster, give it a miss, you will be disappointed. If you are looking for a semi realistic 90 minutes of entertainment watch it.

Overlook the rating, this is better than a 4/10 movie. I gave it a 10 to counteract all the undeserving 1s. It deserves at least a 6/10.

I feel the other reviews for this film to be somewhat unfair, yes it'll never win any Oscars nor will it go down as an epic, I feel it certainly provides a fair amount of realism with regard to the selection process, being a former squaddie and in my early years having gone through the same selection process and failed miserably, I feel I can comment from first hand. All I can say is from a personal experience the film certainly portrays a realistic and brutal experience. Watching this film brought back some terrible memories that I would rather forget. If any squaddies currently serving is looking to do this selection course, trust me watch this film, well at least watch the first three quarters and it will give you a taster as to what to expect.

It is a low budget film, pretty poor acting and the end mission a complete let down and unprofessional acting, but nevertheless overall entertaining, therefore 6 stars.