Last Flag Flying (2017)

Director: Richard Linklater
Stars: Bryan Cranston, Laurence Fishburn, Steve Carell
Runtime: 125 minutes

Performances: 8/10
Screenplay: 5/10
Special Effects: N.A.
Costumes/Makeup: 6/10
Editing: 6/10
Cinematography: 7/10
Score/Soundtrack: 5/10

Verdict: Richard Linklater is one of my favorite directors working today. The "Before" trilogy might be my favorite trilogy of all time, and I consider both "Boyhood" and "Everybody Wants Some!!" to be two of my favorite coming of age films in recent times. However, "Last Flag Flying", Linklater's latest addition to his filmography, was probably my least favorite of the lot. Steve Carell starred as Doc, a Vietnam veteran who recently lost everything and wants to reconnect with his old friends, played by Bryan Cranston and Laurence Fishburn. Carell proved once again that he's one of the most versatile actors in Hollywood, and can shine in both dramatic and comedic roles. Cranston and Fishburn were both really good as well, providing funny chemistry and dialogue. And this is where my main issues with the movie fall: the comedy. The plot went from being a touching story of a man who lost everything to one of those comedic road trip films where three friends in their 50s or 60s reconnect and look back at their life, which felt really odd and out of place, and took a lot away from the emotional impact the movie should've had on the audience. Nevertheless, "Last Flag Flying" is still a light, harmless and competently made film, and will probably satisfy people looking for a movie that fits that description. 

Final Grade: 6/10