Tigerland

Reviewed by:
Jordan Burchette

Joel Schumacher brings us a Vietnam military drama set in…Louisiana. The title, Tigerland, refers to a training ground in the Sportsmen’s Paradise that most closely simulates The Shit (to which Louisiana residents can probably attest). This hellish locale becomes the midway point between a newly enlisted soldier and his inevitable end in the real Vietnam.

While the movie is difficult to take seriously at first (c’mon, these guys aren’t even in ’Nam), it soon becomes clear that every moment is leading them closer to almost certain death. Central to the story is Roland Bozz (Colin Farrell), a rebellious draftee determined to escape Tigerland, who takes every opportunity to flout his superiors with Bart Simpson-like flair.

It’s no Full Metal Jacket, and it actually doesn’t really try to be. Smaller in scope, this movie was much more enjoyable than, say, getting cracked in the skull with a rifle butt.

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