When a film about the first team of US soldiers going into Afghanistan after 9/11 isn't the America "ra-ra" spectacle you were expecting, but instead is a pretty balanced film that spends a lot of time showcasing the Afghani Horse Soldiers who fought alongside the Americans, but when all is said and done ends up being a pretty mediocre war movie that somehow makes all the action scenes feel boring and confusing as it fails to convey any sense of scene geography.

I share my full thoughts on this film in Episode 27 of the Red 7 Movie Cast Podcast: www.redsevencast.com/2018/06/13/episode-27-12-strong/

When an espionage film can easily be interpreted as exploitative when it relies too heavily on violence, disturbing imagery, and sex to try and standout, rather than instead focusing on the tradecraft of a spy, and how it is implemented in the field, which in turn could have made what was a pretty good ending feel earned.

I talk more about this film in episode 26 of the Red 7 Movie Cast podcast. Subscribe and listen here: www.redsevencast.com/2018/06/06/episode-26-red-sparrow-and-some-ranting/

When a film has so much going on that it could have benefited from a little more focus, but Afleck's grumpy rendition of Batman coupled with awesome cinematography and exciting action set pieces make it a worthwhile ride.

This review may contain spoilers. I can handle the truth.