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What do U.S. President and Nobel Prize winner Jimmy Carter, talk-show host Montel Williams, and 80’s television character Magnum, P.I. all have in common? Along with 52 American astronauts, 19 members of Congress, and 43 Rhodes scholars…they’re all graduates of the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis.
Jake Huard (James Franco) works with his friends and father in a shipyard but wants to do something more, excel in life and be a part of something great. After visiting his congressman’s office for 34 straight days, he is granted a nomination that gets him accepted into the Naval Academy in Annapolis. Immediately, Jake is plunged into a whole new world. A world forged by greatness and grandeur where every minute of his day is filled with physical training, academics, discipline, and occasional mental torture. He struggles between going home to the life he has always known, or staying and becoming the man he wants to be. He throws himself into training as a boxer to compete in the upcoming Brigades. His greatest adversary at the academy is his Company Commander, Cole (Tyrese Gibson). And if all goes according to plan, he will face off with Cole in the ring for the boxing championship. He enlists the help of an upperclassman, Ali (Jordana Brewster), to prepare him for the fight of his life. Along the way, he finds the willpower to face his demons and pursue his dreams while the audience gets a rare glimpse into the making of America’s greatest resource…our heroes.
Though the plot of Annapolis is neither particularly imaginative nor unique, it’s a good story that is exceptionally well-told. The characters are real and interesting, and the dialogue is engaging. Combined with the very best attributes of traditional military and boxing movies, Annapolis is both entertaining and inspiring. As for those who actually endured the Naval Academy’s rigorous program, rest assured that the movie’s depiction of life at Annapolis no doubt includes the typical Hollywood glorification and glamorization. However, the essence of the institution is very well portrayed. In fact, the only real disappointment for her faithful alumni may be that it wasn't actually filmed at Annapolis. Unfortunately, the movie’s Philadelphia set is not nearly as magnificent or beautiful as the real place. Otherwise, though, this is an excellent movie that most anyone should enjoy. |
