THE STORY: Upon hearing that Bunker Hill Military Academy will be demolished to make way for condominiums, the cadets barricade themselves inside. With a full arsenal of weapons, the ability to use them and a keen sense of discipline and hierarchy, the kids prove formidable foes of the local police and the parents laying siege to the Academy. But when the National Guard moves in, morale breaks down and the boys slowly start deserting the compound.
THE REVIEW: The reason to watch Taps is for Tom Cruise and Sean Penn. Both have a brilliant performance. Sure Timothy Hutton is there but he is out performed by Cruise and Penn. This was Penn’s debut, and it’s a great one at that, and Cruise’s sophomore film. It’s amazing to see such young guys deliver so powerful a performance.
Taps isn’t a classic—even though it is extremely entertaining. Taps doesn’t rely on special effects or a plethora of action—what made this a fantastic movie are the emotions that each character goes through. The ups and downs of their lives at Bunker Hill—particularly the young Penn and Cruise—is entertaining enough. It’s an interesting story about kids who have more responsibility then they should—you only have to see them handling machine guns and emotions at the same time to understand.
THE EXTRAS: The commentary by director Harold Becker is interesting as he talks about making the film and bring it all together. The “Sounding the Call to Arms: Mobilizing the Taps Generation” features Timothy Hutton, Becker and other members of the cast and crew discussing their experience with the movie. “The Bugler’s Cry: The Origins of Playing Taps” feature is a simple look into the bugle song.
+ Charlie Craine
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