I continually root for films simply based in fiction which is why films were created in the first place, but after seeing "Geostorm" a mere four days ago, I opted to see "Only the Brave"-- a film based on a true story and I got a cohesive and well thought out script as well as a visual feast Makes one want to give up on fiction based films--just kidding!
All men are created equal...then, a few become firefighters. This film, based on the true story of the Granite Mountain Hotshots, is a heroic story of one unit of local firefighters including but not limited to Eric Marsh (Josh Brolin), leader of the unit, Brendan McDonough (Miles Teller), Jesse Steed (James Badge Dale), Christopher MacKenzie (Taylor Kitsch), Travis Turbyfill (Geoff Stults), Andrew Ashcraft (Alex Russell), Scott Norris (Thad Luckinbill) and Wade Parker (Ben Hardy), that through hope, determination, sacrifice, and the drive to protect families, communities, and our country become one of the most elite firefighting teams in the country. As most of us run from danger, they run toward it--they watch over our lives, our homes, everything we hold dear, as they forge a unique brotherhood that comes into focus with one fateful fire.
Others to round out the cast are Jeff Bridges as Duane Steinbrink, Jennifer Connolly as Amanda Marsh, Eric's wife, Scott Haze as Clayton Whitted, Jake Picking as Anthony Rose, Scott Foxx as Travis Carter, Dylan Kenin as Robert Caldwell, Ryan Busch as Dustin DeFord, Kenneth Miller as Sean Misner, Ryan Jason Cook as William Warneke, Brandon Bunch as Garret Zuppiger, Michael McNulty as Kevin Woyjeck, Nicholas Jenks as John Percin Jr. and Sam Quinn as Grant McKee.
This was directed by a relative newcomer to feature films, Joseph Kosinski ("TRON: Legacy" '10, "Oblivion" '13) plus a short, "The Dig" '17. Even though there is a number of years between projects, he is remarkably limited in experience. However what he lacks in experience, he makes up with quality. This director will be able to expand his horizons given that "Top Gun: Maverick" is in the pre-production process. It was cohesively well written by Ken Nolan ("Black Hawk Down" '01, "Transformers: The Last Knight" '17) plus TV and Eric Warren Singer ("The International" '09, "American Hustle" '13) plus TV, which is based on the GQ article, "No Exit" by Sean Flynn. As with Kosinski, neither of these writers have a ton of experience, but what they have created has been exemplary. Nolan continues to be a busy writer with "Transformers 7", "Transformers 8" and "Luna Park" all being announced, whereas Singer's "Top Gun: Maverick" is in pre-production. These guys have gotten and will continue to receive work, because their technique is extremely thorough and tight. Each one of the men of this firefighting unit had their own personality which was well delineated and came across in a very real way--like normal guys. And what can I say about ILM (Industrial, Light & Magic) who designed the visual effects? When they design, they simply make the effects effortless as with this film.
This film seems similar to "Backdraft" '91 in that they both were about a camaraderie between the firefighters--a brotherhood if you will, but, of course, the plots were quite different which made them unique in their own way. "Only the Brave" is a sobering film that it holds family and community to heart, so when its audience sees this will learn something from it. At the same time, it has an entertaining factor to it so as to have something for everyone. And it's in a great IMAX format as well.
Out of 4 Stars: 4 Rated: PG-13 133mins.
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