Film Review Billy Lynn's Long Halftime Walk

BILLY LYNN'S LONG HALFTIME WALK
Directed by Ang Lee
Screenplay by Jean-Christophe Castelli
Based on the book by Ben Fountain
Starring Joe Alwyn; Steve Martin; Chris Tucker and Kristen Stewart



Coming clean I read the book. I think the book will be a classic.
So I was looking forward to the film, especially knowing Ang Lee was directing.

Well the film takes place during one day . Thanksgiving day at the Dallas Cowboys game. By the way Cowboys in the book, not in the film. Maybe because they did not get the NFL's okay after reading the book because the Jerry Jones character played by Steve Martin is an ass.

The movie is an interesting story that finds a middle ground between pro service and antiwar.
The characters are interesting. However we really do not get much about them. From book to movie they have been kind of sterilized.
I understand that it is hard to get a film all about the leads thoughts from book to screen, but maybe some books are not meant to be on the screen.
In the book The Dallas owner is an ass...here is a slight ass. Sterilizing.
Kristen Stewart playing Kathryn Billy's sister. Loves Billy so much but is stuck at home. A very good actress playing another character who is just there.
Then you have newcomer Makenzie Leigh who is the character that tugs at Billy (along with his sister), but she again is just there.
Nothing seems to go deep. We lose thoughts and conversations.

Then they give more time to Albert, played by Chris Tucker, a producer. He gets more time than in the book. Albert is more annoying in the movie, they should not have ramped up his part. Bad decision. They could have used that time for important character development.

I know it is not fair to judge a movie by a book. So I look for positive.
The movie is interesting because it takes place in one day.
Newcomer Joe Alwyn is very good as Billy. Holding his own being in every scene.

Billy Lynn is available for home viewing February 14th. Like the book it stays with you.
Does Billy make the right choice?
2 1/2 out of 5 stars.

As always from the shadows thanks for your time.