What hasn't been said about Stanley Kubrick's penultimate film? Nothing? Oh well, no review... Although, to state my opinions that I'm sure someone else shares is just the way of the reviewer! Thus, I shall repeat what I'm sure critics said during the films initial release.
Let me first say: I was stunned. Though FMT (Full Metal Jacket) is oft considered one of Kubrick's finer films, it is never elevated to the same level of 2001, The Shining, Clockwork Orange, and Dr. Strangelove, often falling into the second tier of Kubrick films with Eyes Wide Shut, Lolita, and Spartacus. This may be a controversial statement, but FMT is my favorite movie by the K-man (a nickname affectionately given by close friends, such as myself, R.I.P. Stan). This movie remained so thoroughly entertaining, compared to the few others by him I have seen (2001, Clockwork Orange, Strangelove, not that they weren't entertaining, but each one had at least one dragging portion), that I am compelled to describe it as one of my absolute favorite movies, period.
One thing about the movie that keeps it constantly fresh is how it continually sets up expectations, then subverts them, forcing the viewer to see first hand how, even when it looks otherwise, war is truly hell. After the shocking and hilarious opening scenes featuring Sgt. Hartman's cruelty, the already grim opening takes an incredibly dark twist and becomes one of the most chilling and menacing scenes to ever happen in a bathroom. Later, Joker's time as a journalist appears to be fun and easy, even in the war torn setting, until they are forced to face a deadly sniper who, in another dark twist, is a little girl. War. Is. Hell.
In short: the dialogue is some of Kubrick's wittiest, the message is clear, and Vincent D'Onofrio is delivers one of the best acting performances I've ever seen.
