Billy Lynn's Long Halftime Walk

Adapted from Ben Fountain's 2012 National Book Award nominee, filmmaker Ang Lee's movie centers on the titular 19-year-old soldier, who—while participating in the sensory overload of a lavish Destiny's Child halftime show at a Dallas Cowboys football game—re-lives his combat experience in Iraq of trying to save his commanding officer (Vin Diesel), all the while questioning the accolade of heroism that has been thrust upon him. Jittery William Lynn (Joe Alwyn) and his Bravo Company are in Dallas for a 2004 Thanksgiving game, as a wannabe film producer (Chris Tucker) tries to wrangle a movie deal with the wealthy team owner (Steve Martin). Meanwhile, Lynn's distraught, guilt-ridden sister (Kristen Stewart) tries to talk Lynn out of returning for another tour-of-duty. Complicating matters further, Lynn connects with a devoutly Christian cheerleader (Makenzie Leigh). The film delves into Lynn's survivor's guilt and PTSD, utilizing numerous flashbacks as this band of brothers who are deeply scarred by emotional trauma bond in battle. Straight-out-of-drama-school Brit Alwyn makes an impressive screen debut with a convincing Texas drawl, but the story suffers mightily from shallow dialogue, inconsistent satire, and stilted pacing. Optional. [Note: DVD/Blu-ray extras include the production featurettes “Assembling a Cast” (12 min.) and “Into Battle and Onto the Field” (10 min.), deleted scenes (10 min.), behind-the-scenes segments on “Recreating the Halftime Show” (7 min.) and “The Brotherhood of Combat” (5 min.), and trailers. Exclusive to the Blu-ray release is a bonus UltraViolet copy of the film. Bottom line: a solid extras package for a disappointing adaptation.] (S. Granger)