Taking Chance

Last month HBO premiered a new film, Taking Chance, about a Marine's experience escorting a soldier who had been killed in action home for burial in Wyoming. It was based on a true story, Taking Chance Home, written by Lt.Col. Michael Strobel. I had been meaning to catch it when HBO showed it in re-runs, but since I didn't have much to do this afternoon, I thought I might as well watch it OnDemand.

It was outstanding. HBO usually puts out quality stuff, and this was no exception. I don't really know what it was about the film that connected with me, but it was fantastic. It told the story of how everyone seemed to be touched by Chance, even though they didn't know him. Everything about the movie worked for me, and knowing that it was true story, made it even more heartbreaking. Maybe it's because he was my age. Maybe it's because it's extremely topical (although there was absolutely ZERO political siding in the film). Maybe it's because it showed something that the American people never get to see (or probably know about, for that matter), but need to. Maybe it 's because it's an extremely ordinary story with an extraordinary outcome. Whatever it was, it had an affect on me. I was totally engrossed throughout the entire movie, and I will freely admit that I shed a few tears by the end. During the credits, the film makers dedicated the film to Chance, and showed photos and home videos of Chance. That's what brought it home for me - the movie wasn't just about any soldier, it was about Chance. You were able to put a face with a name. Extremely powerful.

Kevin Bacon played the Lt.Col. Srobel, and gave, in my opinion, the performance of his career. I sincerely hope that he, the director, the screenwriter and Lt.Col. Strobel (he helped author the screenplay), as well as the film itself is remembered come award season. The film is in re-runs on HBO for a while, and it's also OnDemand for the next week. There is also a DVD release date set for May 19th. Check it out; it's totally worth it.

Also today was the Ras na hEireann 5k in Somerville. There were 5,000 (yes, five THOUSAND) people running, so it was a little crazy. I did well, although I'm not sure of my offical time, I forgot to start my watch when I crossed the starting line. I know i did it in less than 33 minutes, so that was exciting for me. We got these great medals that double as bottle openers. Nice!