Alien at the Movies

"Who the hell is Private Doss?"

This inspirational film tells the incredible true story of a conscientious objector (Andrew Garfield) who volunteers to serve his country during WWII but would not carry a weapon. Director Mel Gibson carefully defines Desmond Doss' character through key life events and then brutally exposes us to the blood & guts of war. You'll wince at every bullet piercing bodies & helmets as well as with every painful bayonet stab. Branded as a coward by his fellow army soldiers, his execution of duty in nothing short of a miracle & earns him the absolute respect from his "Band of Brothers". Only his faith in God can explain how he could survive & save so many lives that night, virtually single handedly, on Okinawa's Hacksaw Ridge. The terrific supporting cast includes Hugo Weaving, Rachel Griffiths, Teresa Palmer, Sam Worthington, & Vince Vaughn. Besides the horrors of war, there are some lighter moments of humor, a sweet courtship & romance, the love of family, and many brave heroics. Summaries, photos, & film footage of Desmond Doss run at the end of the film.

Alien gives it 3½ "just one more" stars out of 4.