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Memorial Day

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Memorial Day

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Summary

A Second World War veteran offers to tell his grandson the stories behind his service in the conflict. Years later, the child has grown up to also become a soldier, and finds the old man's tales help him to cope with the challenges he faces serving in Iraq. Drama, starring Jonathan Bennett and James Cromwell, with his real-life son John playing his character as a younger man

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Review

A star rating of 3 out of 5.

Jayne Nelson

This paean to America's armed forces spans generations, from the Second World War to the Iraq War of the 2000s. The midway point is 1993, which is when 13-year-old Kyle Vogel (Jackson Bond) finds an army footlocker belonging to his grandfather, Bud (James Cromwell). Intrigued by the items within, Kyle listens in awe as Bud regales him with rousing stories of his time fighting Nazis. Years later, a grown-up Kyle (Jonathan Bennett) recovers in hospital after a bomb attack in Iraq. He, in turn, tells his nurse (Emily Fradenburgh) about his beloved granddad. Set in three time periods, the multiple flashbacks and flash-forwards can feel strained. Battle sequences, while effectively staged, are also rather flabby. But Cromwell holds it all together with his apparently effortless gravitas and charm. No mean feat, given the mawkish nature of his scenes (drinking lemonade in a rocking chair on his porch, no less!). He's aided by his real-life son, John Cromwell, who portrays young Bud in the 1940s flashbacks.

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6.1/10

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Credits

Cast

rolenameStaff Sgt Kyle VogelJonathan BennettBud VogelJames CromwellLieutenant Bud VogelJohn Cromwell (2)Young KyleJackson BondBetty VogelMary Kay Fortier-Spalding

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Crew

rolenameDirectorSamuel Fischer

Details

Languages

English

Guidance

Violence, swearing

Formats

Colour

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