The Messenger

The Chicago International Film Festival has landed in the Windy and will continue throughout the next week. Volunteers receive free passes for movies, so Sam and I are taking full advantage of my volunteer hours. Side note: A full review on the Film Fest will be available when the Fest closes. Believe me, it will be quite the doozy.

So Sam and I ventured to The Messenger one night. A film with Woody Harrelson and Ben Foster playing Army soldiers who deliver the news to families when their soldier has died. I was surprised that the movie didn't focus completely on this. I assumed we'd be going from door to door, knocking and telling families their loved ones are dead. Instead, this movie offers a glimpse into the lives of soldiers who aren't off fighting.

Woody Harrelson does a fantastic job portraying the soldier who never saw much action and just can't seem to walk away from his new family. Ben Foster plays a decorated hero after a terrible accident while he was in combat and is quickly finishing up his time with the Army.

The film focuses a lot on Foster's character, showing viewers a glimpse of life as a wounded soldier carrying around guilt. He does a fantastic job and viewers will quickly fall in love with him. Jena Malone also stars although, I wasn't all that much of a fan of her performance.

This film has already been picked up by a distributor and will be out in theatres within the month, though it might be select.