By: Lana K. Wilson-Combs
It?s unfortunate that director
Rod Lurie?s new war drama,
?The Outpost? isn?t showing on the big screen so audiences can fully immerse themselves in this explosive and heroic true story.
Nevertheless, it?s a real eye-opener.
Lurie, whose work includes: ?The Contender? (2000) and ?Straw Dogs? (2011), adapted ?The Outpost? from CNN news anchor Jake Tapper?s 2012 non-fiction novel "The Outpost: An Untold Story of American Valor." It centers around 53 U.S. soldiers who in 2009 were stationed at the remote American Combat Outpost ("COP") Keating near the town of Kamdesh, Afghanistan. They were outmanned and attacked by nearly 400 Taliban. The horrific confrontation became known as The Battle of Kamdesh. It was one of the most violent battles that year for American troops.
In ?The Outpost,? from screenwriters Eric Johnson and Paul Tamasy (?The Fighter, ?The Finest Hours? and ?Patriots Day?), Lurie focuses on that lengthy, bloody battle and gives a glimpse into the lives of the men who fought valiantly.
?The Outpost? benefits from a star-studded cast who have quite a pedigree. There?s Scott Eastwood, the son of Clint. James Jagger ( Mick?s son). Mel Gibson?s son Milo, along with Scott Alda Coffey, the grandson of Alan Alda, plus Will Attenborough, the grandson of Richard Attenborough.
Orlando Bloom, who will star as Prince Harry in the upcoming TV series, ?The Prince,? in ?The Post? plays First Lt. Benjamin Keating, the commander in charge. Eastwood brings his father?s charismatic bravado and trademark squinty eyes to his role as Staff Sgt. Romesha. Caleb Landry Jones (?Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri) is another major standout as Specialist Ty Carter.
With ?The Outpost? Lurie has made a poignant war drama that captures the honor, bravery, and sacrifice of our American soldiers. How fitting that it?s opening/streaming during the 4th of July weekend.
Check Out This Trailer For
"THE OUTPOST"
Lana K. Wilson-Combs is a member of the Broadcast Film Critics? Association (BFCA), The Black Film Critics Circle (BFCC), The Alliance Of Women Film Journalists (AWFJ) and a Nominating Committee Voting Member for the NAACP Image Awards.
