Day Zero (2007) User Reviews

Formula driven movie that feeds on American angst for success but doesn't survive outside that context

[imdb-19891 · 5/10 · 17 December 2007]

I find myself out of alignment with previous commenters on this one. Let's see: "A perfect study of those who share this fate given by wonderful cast and crew" Perfect? No flaws? Come on.

"A powerful film about friendship and relations" I wish it had been. The script failed to draw us in and make us care about the characters.

"A Powerful and Thought-Provoking Character Study" No it wasn't. It could have been. Each character was a cliché. And worse, instead of letting the viewer make their minds up, the script is busy telling us, in case we missed it.

The above comments were taken from people who gave this movie 10 out of 10. That's a PERFECT score. A flawless movie. Had they rated it an 8 or 9, then you could expect there to be a difference in taste, in expectation.

The acting isn't bad, as much as the script allows it, and the story has a decent premise, but the story relies to much on the audience being American, and the feelings that come with drafts, wars, Duty to country.

In the end, this movie attempt to set a mood results in it being too slow and too shallow. It is presented by formula driven characters. A character study it is not. It leaves huge holes in the characters at the same time as it is spoon feeding us the obvious.

5 out of 10 because the acting is good, the cinematography is good, but it gets dragged down by the script.

Not bad. Worth seeing.

[nicolovvassil · 7/10 · 27 February 2008]

The idea of the movie is not bad: three guys get drafted and we get to have part of their feelings, emotions and fears for the last 30 days before day zero, the day they have to sign in for the army.Those three guys are very different characters, they have nothing in common so we wonder how can they actually be friends.Apart from that, the film is very realistic.It gets also political on the war in Iraq and it shows both conflict parties: those for the war and those against it.It shows us who are the people supporting the war: lower class,propaganda brainwashed, uneducated, ordinary people from the street like cab driver Dixon, who thinks that fighting in Iraq is defending the freedom in America. His friend, lawyer Rifkin sees no point in the war and tries to use his daddy's connections to get "undrafted".The third guy is writer Feller (Wood) who doesn't really have an opinion because his mind is too occupied with the fear of dying in the war.He is weak, mentally and physically. The film is good, good acting, good script.I don't regret seeing it and I'm sure most people wont.It's not a must see, but if you come across it you should give it a chance.Seven stars for being good but not special.

Amusing film

[amparosupelano · 7/10 · 20 December 2007]

This movie was entertaining. Am a guy that really only values entertainment when watching movies, yes their is a political agenda behind the plot. Especially in this political climate right before the elections, this movie could have an impact one way or another. Or just be food for thought, and create chit chat about the issue of the draft War coming back, a plausible premise. But I found the movie entertaining, to the point of being amused, and had quite a few chuckles and took it more like a movie that was intended to entertain than actual message movie.

Spoiler alert parts that made me chuckle .

Chris Klein character wants to bail out and he just got drafted, he figures into going into a gay bar(dude is married) and hooking up, because that way he will be able to avoid the draft, dude instead goes crazy in it.

Elijah goes has a list of things to do and hooking up with a hooker part is quite amusing, and the kid literally goes insane around the movie. It was funny.

Then we have the tough boy, that wants to go and kick some ass and feels his friends are cowards for not wanting to defend their country . He gets into it with anyone that doesn't agree. But the guy finds a love, and then you see a small transformation on the way he feels about going to War.

The movie was entertaining, the premise is not that flawed, but the writers went a little bit over the top in a point of trying to get their point across. But was quite entertaining, it was supposed to be a message movie, I thought it was a funny movie, it just came across that way, but it was entertaining, that is why I give it a 7.

This movie is a study of human nature and relationships

[JMRichardson · 5 May 2007]

I was fortunate enough to be a the 4-29-07 NYC premiere screening of Day Zero, starring Elijah Wood, Jon Bernthal and Chris Klein. The story is about the turmoil created in the lives of these men after they receive a draft notice.

Wood is Aaron Feller, a sensitive, troubled, young writer, frightened by life's challenges, who decides he needs to explore more of what life has to offer but ends up, instead, releasing some inner demons. Klein is George Rifkin, a married, successful attorney with a politically connected father, who might get his notice quashed. Unfortunately, Rifkin misdirects his rage and lashes out at the wrong persons. Bernthal is Dixon, a take charge kind of guy whether he's being a Prince Charming to a pubescent neighbor or Savior to his friends. You get the sense he's always been totally in control of his life but surprisingly finds himself falling in love and for the first time must struggle with his choices.

I didn't know what to expect going in but I enjoyed the movie quite a lot and felt all three actors had good chemistry as well as some great scenes together. There were some light moments but this is a serious and compelling drama.

Uncle Sam Wants You!

[sol-kay · 7/10 · 31 March 2008]

**SPOILERS** The film "Day Zero" takes place in the not so very distant future with the present wars in Iraq and Afghanistan spilling over their borders and turning into a major regional war in the both Middle and Far East. With the President and Congress having reinstated the military draft that's been dormant since 1973 tens of millions of young Amercans, from 18 to 35 years old, are now in danger of being called up by their government to fight this widening conflict.

The movie revolves around the lives of three friends and former high school classmates now having received notices from their local draft boards to report within 30 days to be inducted into the armed services. The three starting with cab driver James Nixon, Jon Bernthal, are anything but excited in fighting a war that they, for the most part, what to have nothing to do with.

Aaon Feller, Elijah Wood, has been seeing a psychiatrist Dr. Reynolds, Alley Sheedy, for some seven years about his very deep sense of insecurity in both his personal and, Aaron is a writer, professional life. Aaron and James friend George Rifkin, Chris Klein, is a successful corporate lawyer and has a wife Molly,Jennifer Goodwin, recovering from a five year battle with cancer. All George needs now is to be separated from both his high paying job and ill, but recovering, wife for a two year stint in the hot dangerous and bloody Middle or Far East.

The film has the three friends try to come to grips with what their facing with James more or less deciding to get drafted. Being out on the streets of New York City driving a cab is good training, in the dangers he runs into, for James in being a combat infantry man. Aaron who's terrified of everything in life due to his acute insecurity is now on the verge of doing something really stupid to prevent himself from getting drafted.

***SPOILER ALERT***It's in the end that Aaron after trying to make up for all the things he missed in life, like becoming a skinhead and getting heavily tattooed like an outlaw biker, does in fact get himself out from being drafted. Aaron does that by making himself totally useless to serve in the US Military or anywhere else. Gerore for his part is going through a life changing experience going from suicidal to finally accepting his fate, being drafted. George soon realized that running away from his responsibility as an American citizen while his good friend James doesn't will only come back to haunt him in the future.

The first Hollywood movie that finally confronts what's been happening in the world since the attacks of September 11, 2001 in how it effects everyone in the US, not just those in the volunteer US Military, in putting their butts on the line in fighting for their country.

The film "Day Zero" to its credit doesn't go into the political aspects of the wars in both Afghanistan and Iraq. Were not battered over the head In if their worth fighting or dying for. The film focus only on the social aspects of serving one's country in times of war regardless of the political underpinning, good or bad, that those in power have in calling for armed conflict against a foreign power.

****SPOILERS****The movie ends with a massive on location antiwar demonstration in New York City that actually took place on April 29, 2006 with both George and James as well as the by now mentally disturbed Aaron participating in it. That would be the last day they would have the chance to show what they feel about the war that they soon will be obligated to fight as members of the US Armed Forces.

Worth Watching

[Dorkizoid · 7/10 · 23 March 2009]

I was left speechless after watching Day Zero, and may have to watch it again to fully grasp the full range of lunacy it presents. The film took me through every emotion I believe I am capable of feeling, from fear and laughter to that sneaking sort of anti-nationalism felt by most Americans today: I love my country, but I hate when its government pulls such ridiculous stunts.

Day Zero poses a very valid question: Is it right for a democratic nation to draft its citizens to fight a war for quote-unquote freedom? The film leaves the question open-ended, but definitely casts its vote in favor of yes. Day Zero reminds us that freedom has never been free, and the time may come again that men and women will have to fight for, in the words of Dixon, "Choice... our way of life." I will now admit my bias toward Elijah Wood. I rented this movie solely to see what my beloved Frodo has been up to. I was horrified that Wood was not only regularly sized, but also indulging in mad fantasies of prostitutes and shaven heads. My disturbedness aside, I must say that his performance was really very excellent. However, I must add that the conclusion of his character's story was less than satisfying, despite the fact that it was logical.

Day Zero is an interesting study of three somewhat bland and normal people caught up in modern political mayhem. It would have been more appropriate in, say, 2003 or 4, while the Bush era was at its height, as were fears of the draft returning. History has now rendered the film largely obsolete. However, mediocre script writing rendered the film obsolete almost immediately. It is worth a watch, definitely, but I firmly believe this film will not have real value until we use it to teach the next generation about this time in our nation.

Day Zero is worth watching precisely because it so accurately captures the spirit of fear and independence present in our nation today. It is not the best movie ever made, but it will do.

pro-conflict propaganda

[beregic · 1/10 · 13 May 2008]

AFTER reading some viewers reviews HERE I DECIDED to watch this feature because it is reportedly "balanced". after i DID watch it, at least i know which style and type of posts i should be avoiding from now on...

straight to the point, this is a PRO- war movie( very cunning, i give it that). it definitely targets young "stand-up" guys and attempts to give people a subconscious reason as why we have to AGREE with what is going on( even have a speech about "choices" people have in America and take it for granted because the youth is the "pussy" generation apparently).

basically the whole thing consists of 3 youngsters in their struggle to accept the draft or not. by the time end scene IS happening , the movie has transmitted its propagandistic vibe. while it starts with a very much ANTI- war vibe it leads the viewer to believe that there is ONLY one way.this movie paves the WAY to drafting legislation. (i doubt that will happen simply because this administration will prefer private armies ,"blackwater" for example, that are not responsible to the any international tribunals upon killing civilians)it is doing so by TRYING to make choice easier for you to the point you actually could believe that it IS your choice for the "best"."are you man enough"." the survival of the fittest" , etc... the director forgets that today's youth are BETTER informed then the previous generation and playing with people feelings, in well to know "i am with you" manner. will not get the message across.( apparently, you left someone to its fate like being raped, you have to fix that by going to war to "man-up". people can do that easily here by throwing this administration out of the office as well no?). at one point it even tells new-yorkers that they should be more concerned with doing the "first-strike" because they would be the first target if "someone" acquires "weapons of mass-destruction"( so wait... this actually must be about Iran since everyone knew, by the time this feature was produced,that Iraq had no such "evil" things?). what a DEEP INSULT TO THE 9/11 VICTIMS Memory!

another interesting observation is that while playing with the idea of deserting, the option is never considered out of FEAR. well guess what, i am in Toronto, Canada , and we have many American deserters here and they do not seem "pussies" at all. by contrary they are OUTSPOKEN, just as any FREE individual DOES INDEED HAVE THE CHOICE TO do in a democracy. i quiet had a laugh at this aspect particularly.

this has been marketed as an "indy" film. i assure it is not.IF the subject matter would been different and not propagandistic i would give this production a 6-7 due to good acting but slower towards the end( another observation point i have in spotting propaganda; when the movie slows down towards end to make sure your sentiments and feelings can properly have a meltdown, get you to sleep, hypnotize, and make your dreams play the role of influencing your conscious when waking up).

well, you can TRY to enjoy it if you already have made-up your mind. good luck with that.

Doing less and less with resources...(a trend?)

[sirvertual · 6/10 · 5 March 2008]

There seems to be a continuing trend(?) to produce (promising) movies these days with (B) Unfinished scripts...where they makeup the last half as they go along to get a 'finished movie'. (B) Lame scripts (that somebody's brother-in-law wrote) and then get embellished to get a 'finished movie'. (C) Indy scripts that get edited (down to the quick) to save time and money and get passed off as a 'finished movie'...

Day Zero...Is a small movie that could have been much more...I left unsatisfied when the movie 'just ended'...I don't expect or need a 'Rings Trilogy' to be satisfied, but would have enjoyed the effort 'a great deal more' with only 'a bit more story'....Otherwise, I'd say 'Zero' is well-written, cast, art directed, shot, etc, etc. But - considering the magnitude of the questions it raises, a bit more storyline would have made this a much better movie effort. The large selection of Vietnam movies from the eighties run the gamut of poor efforts to great movies, but the main difference is that storyline(s) are generally 'more complete'...This movie would have been much better had the storyline (A) been more in-depth concerning the 30 days and the 3 friends...or (B) been more in-depth concerning where and what takes place - after the 30 days...It would also have been much more satisfying from a storyline point of view...Either way, the result we are left with has an incomplete feel and leaves one wanting to see the rest of the story...Possibly there might be a trilogy in the works (or at least a chapter-2)...Sir Vertual

The Failing of a Good Idea and Star Actors

[wastebot · 4/10 · 15 December 2007]

I doubt this film will ever serve as anything more than film school proof that a good story idea and a couple star actors alone do not make a film, even if you set it in New York City.

The film largely focuses on the 3 draftees reactions as their report day approaches. While you can appreciate some of the inconsistencies and complexities in character, it's also largely cliché characters and some of the inconsistencies defy all logic, both formal and psychological. The ending looked like, for a moment, it was going to resolve all this and make up for the complete lack of insight the rest of the film provides, but once again fails. The result is a mess that's more annoying than entertaining.

A well acted, tale of 3 buddies about to be drafted.

[jaybob · 7/10 · 25 September 2009]

This film from 2007 is set in a near future where the draft has been reinstated.

As in life & fiction all these stories must be about a trio,no matter whether it is a comedy, drama or musical.

Our three buddies are in their late 20's,they even went to the same High School (STUYVESNT-one of the highest rated public High Schools).

BTW I am a graduate of same High School

They are very well acted by Elijah Wood, he is in the middle of writing his second novel.Chris Klien as an successful married attorney, and Don Berenthal a taxi driver.

They all receive there draft notices the same day. How the 3 of them react to this event & the war is the crux of the story. Ginnifer Goodwin & Elizabeth Moss are the wife & girl friend of 2 of them. Ally Sheedy has a nice few scenes as a shrink.

Bryan Gunner Cole in his first feature directorial effort shows promise.The script is by Robert Malkani,there are more than a few script problems.

The movie runs only 90 minutes but the last 30 are at a crawl pace.

I question the very last scene with Elijah,I wonder what was the reason to do what he did.

The film had a very short 2 screen run for 2 weeks in Jan.2008 It deserved a better release than this, Granted this is my standard gripe. Half way decent films like this are short shrift-ed, BUT stupid moronic comedies open in over 2000.

Ratings: *** (out of 4) 81 points(out of 100) IMDb 7 (out of 10)

HK Neo Reviews: Day Zero

[webmaster-3017 · 4/10 · 11 August 2009]

Tagline: An uninteresting failure with a competent display by Elijah Wood…

Review by Neo: To say I am disappointed, it is a clear understatement. It is rare that a film can possesses such a fine display from one of the co-stars in Elijah Wood, but still ends up a total disappointment. Day Zero doesn't work like a movie, it doesn't provide a movie experience, but at no times, does it feel real either. It is a film with an adequate premise about the possibility of drafting civilians into the war against terror. For once, I just cannot see any redeeming factor for this movie. With just Wood showing potential, the rest of the cast with Chris Klein in particular produces an emotionless and petty display that is more wooden than anything. Likewise, Jon Bernthal, tries hard, but fails to convince owing to lack of on-screen charisma. Basically, a film is bounded to fail, when the story does not work, nothing really tend to happen and along with fail performances from the leads. Day Zero is easily a big disappointment.

The movie goes like this: Three best friends are about to face the prospect of being drafted into national service on the war against terror. With just 30 days left, the film shows how different people react, feel and do in the remaining days before reporting on duty.

Let's focus on the rare display of positiveness coming out of this film. Elijah Wood has been trying for years to shed his image of being typecast as Lord of Rings and there is no doubting that he is one actor with potential to burn. I thought he was more than convincing in his role and the way he depicted the torment of an artist who is at loggerhead with the fact that he is going to be killing human beings face to face is almost daunting to endure. Being the only shining light in the film, including a memorable moment in front of the mirror where he screams at himself. It is certainly a rare moment of quality that fails to lighten up the dullness of the flick. As mentioned before, Chris Klein may have the leading man looks, but his acting is far too disconnecting to the audience. Despite having the chance to play a fairly conflicted role, Klein is not impressive and fails miserably. While, Jon Bernthal actually tries to act and does slightly better than Klein, it is needless to say that the guy has no on-screen charisma and perhaps will fit in better on the small screen than the big one.

All in all, Day Zero seems to want to express some sort of message about the divided opinion on the war against terror (i.e. how it is the other peoples' war or how we are defending our country), but in reality, it never hits on these issues seriously. Instead the film tries to focus on how people and humans react to this situation and how ordinary people will be affected by issues like these. While it is interesting to think about the prospect, the filmmaker fails to add an human touch to the proceeding and the effect is by the 45 minutes mark, the audience is looking at their watches, thinking, when is this film going to end. By the time, it ends, I am unable to feel or even try to feel for what has happened, as the film is impossible to relate to and almost difficult to connect. Day Zero is really a film that probably deserves zero marks, but for the performance of Elijah Wood, there are some brownie points given … (Neo 2009)

I rate it 4/10

• www.thehkneo.com

America's at war, and three men must ask themselves: What's it good for? What's my share? A perfect study of those who share this fate given by wonderful cast and crew.

[CJHammond · 10/10 · 30 April 2007]

First of all, I was made aware of this movie by friends. And while I was quite an Elijah Wood fan some years ago, I must admit my expectations weren't really that high.

But then I started reading something about the plot and thought, "Hmmm, this *could* be a film worth watching." So, I got myself tickets for the Monday screening at the Tribeca Film Festival. And I don't regret it a bit! So many questions that I have asked myself many, many times were picked up by this movie. Is the war the world is fighting just? Will it help us? Will it make things worse? Why do we feel we must (not) fight? How to justify that? And by having very controversial characters as the main players, you have no problem at all seeing things from both (or rather multiple) sides. Plus, no answers are forced down your throat.

Naturally, there still is a message, but, at least to me, it wasn't, "That's not worth fighting for." but, and that's a message hardly heard, "Suffering doesn't only come from being hurt, but also from (possibly) having to hurt." All in all, I can but recommend this film. A wonderful starting point for having a discussion with your friends (and, even more so, with those you consider do *not* share your opinion on this matter!) So, 10 out of 10 is really what this movie deserves.

stuck up its own back passage

[Rob-O-Cop · 4/10 · 26 January 2008]

this could have been really interesting, if it hadn't got bogged down with the inevitable patriotic do your bit bull that you just knew was coming. I'd have to say I was very disappointed when the guy who questions the motives on America's war on Iraq turns up to do his bit to fight for his country. a half as$ed attempt to show the film makers are looking at all sides proves they were only ever going to show one. and the ridiculous bit in the beginning where the macho loser says yeah I want to fight them cos of what they did in 911???? like we don't all know that Iraq had nothing to do with 911. lame lame lame. a good opportunity wasted. who wrote and funded this again?

Lord of the Bo-rings

[srlucado-31966 · 2/10 · 1 November 2021]

I guess there's a serious intention here someplace, but man o man is this dull.

Three guys, pathologically uninteresting, get drafted to fight in the Middle East, and have 30 days to report.

They spend their time demonstrating exactly why they'd make great cannon fodder.

Watch something else.

Elijah Wood's Best Performance to Date

[edwpat · 10/10 · 8 May 2007]

It's 30 days before DAY ZERO, when three friends are to be drafted into the army during the raging war in Iraq. They react to the news and somehow come to terms with reality. On this simple (even thin) premise, Brian Cole crafts a well balanced 90 minutes, which manages to cloud a specific or biased point-of-view. Sure, there's anti-war clambering and patriotic posturing. There's plenty of flag waving and flag burning, but this film is not about the draft or serving one's country. As a reviewer who has already been drafted to face a war (in Viet-nam) and had to grapple with decisions that would ultimately shape the remainder of my life, I know this film is about "the inner self"—the draft being the catalyst and the reactions mere symptoms to the rumbling of the human spirit or the lack there of.

The three stars carry the film a long way and beyond. Chris Klein as George Rifkin represents the majority view, that the draft is a life interrupter. One never gets the impression that George is a coward. He just wants to continue his law practice, enjoy his family and wife; and ultimately, his anti-draft stance festers from resentment to anger. Jon Bernthal as James Dixon represents the patriotic view, that "it had to happen sooner or later," and everyone should stand up and fight terrorism. He is a violent and disturbed man, short fused and drives a taxi for a living, quite a contrast from George. He imprints his views on his friends without hesitation, but when he meets a girl, his views are somewhat tempered. Elijah Wood, in his best performance on screen to date (yes, even better than Mr. Baggins), plays Aaron Feller, a naïve, fragile man, who has just published his first novel and is working on the second. He is thrown into a panic by the draft notice. He looks for help in all the right places, and doesn't find it. He then looks in all the wrong places, and does. He manages to face his inner demon and takes the appropriate corrective action.

The three friends interact with great chemistry. While Wood carries the film's main theme and presents it with pathos and comedy, the more political and preachy messages come from Klein and Bernthal. Bernthal's raging approach to life is engaging. He is always there for his friends, but not without cost. He chews up the scenery. Klein, on the other hand, gets the more conventional row to hoe, with everything from draft dodger to conscientious objector. He whines and bleats and tears his hair out (figuratively. Wood loses his, literally). Between Bernthal and Klein, we have Macbeth and King Lear, so it is up to Wood to bring the real interest. He crafts his character from thin air, as his scenes are mostly interspersed vignettes that are visually appealing and pathetically comic. In fact, Wood's sense of comedic timing matches the great stars of cinema, like Chaplin. He takes us from entertaining comic relief to riveting drama as Aaron takes a roller coaster ride from naïve to psychosis in 30 days to Day Zero.

This film has only been screened at the Tribeca Film Festival, where I am sure it will win awards and be picked up by a distributor (if not, the film industry is blind). It demonstrates that in the hands of a thinking director, three strong actors can create storms in tea cups. It also provides the viewing audience with Elijah Wood's best of many great performances on celluloid, and for an actor nearing his 40th film, it is a landmark. A

Edward C. Patterson

What if the Draft were Reinstated?

[gradyharp · 8/10 · 3 March 2008]

The Draft as a means for supplying the armed forces with manpower ended with the Vietnam War. DAY ZERO is a thought provoking film that raises the question of how today's youth would respond were the Draft reinstated as a result of the ever-growing Iraq War. Writer Robert Malkani and director Bryan Gunnar Cole respond to the question by creating three characters, long time friends, but each with a different response to the forced servitude in a wartime situation. As with any film dealing with controversial subject matter there are ideas presented that will disturb just about everyone no matter their stance on compulsive servitude, and it is that aspect that makes this film work so well in jolting our thinking.

The time is New York, now, and the media has just announced the reinstatement of the Draft to cope with the drained national volunteer army. Three friends receive their draft notices simultaneously: successful lawyer George Rifkin (Chris Klein) whose marriage to a cancer survivor wife Molly (Ginnifer Goodwin) is part of the solid state of life he resists changing; fantasy writer Aaron Feller (Elijah Wood) who is in progress on a novel he must finish while his life is otherwise rather on shaky ground, controlled by his loopy therapist (Ally Sheedy); cab driver James Dixon (Jon Bernthal) who has a past history of being a loner and attempting to control violent behavior. The gamut runs from refusal to even consider the draft (Rifkin) to being nonplussed by the disruption to his psyche (Feller) to gung-ho ready to fight Dixon. The three young men have thirty days to Day Zero and in those thirty days each undergoes profound changes and introspection and self-discovery that very keenly illustrates the effect that such a governmental edict can have on today's youth.

This is ensemble acting that rivals that of any fine film: there are no stars here, only actors portraying emotional changes that are universal in nature. And for a first film by director Cole it succeeds on most levels. In addition to the work of the four main actors there are fine cameos by young Sofia Vassilieva and by Elisabeth Moss. The film is meant to raise questions, challenge our current complacency and our views of the concept or war and military obligation. That it is disturbing is part of the power of the work. Grady Harp

What would you do?

[kerithym · 10/10 · 10 May 2007]

The movie takes place in the near future, where a draft has been re-instated and three friends in New York find themselves faced with their own fears and beliefs as they deal with their call to serve. George a successful lawyer, Dixon a tough-as-nails cab driver, and Feller a writer with a host of insecurities, face their inner demons in the thirty days they are given to report to duty. I was lucky enough to see this movie at Tribeca, not once, but three times. I loved it more each time and got to enjoy all the little nuances I missed from previous viewings. New York was the perfect setting for this movie and the city is like another character in the film. This is a very character driven story and there is not one weak performance in the lot. Everyone is wonderful, with the stand-out performances being Ginnifer Goodwin as George's wife, Sofia Vassilieva in a small but effective part, and Elijah Wood who manages to be both hilarious and heartbreaking in one of his best roles to date. A touching a thought-provoking film, this one is not-to-miss.

A Most Enjoyable Thought-Provoking Film with First-Rate Ensemble Acting

[magicdancer · 10/10 · 8 May 2007]

I saw "Day Zero" twice during its run at the Tribeca Film Festival and would have welcomed a third viewing. From seeing the trailer at the film's website (http://www.dayzerothemovie.com/) I knew the story dealt with future reinstatement of the military draft in the United States and how three friends spent the thirty days between receiving draft notices and reporting for duty. I was immediately drawn into the film and the lives of these men; I cared about them and what they were going through. The film is character driven and director Bryan Gunnar Cole succeeds brilliantly in getting inspired performances from the talented, but mostly not well-known (to me, at least) cast.

Chris Klein very convincingly plays George, an upwardly mobile New Yorker, who at a young age, has recently made partner in a prestigious law firm. He does not want to jeopardize his career, does not support the war still playing out in the Mideast and diligently searches for ways to dodge the draft. He considers everything from seeking the help of his influential father to self-mutilation – an edge-of your-seat scene. Nor does he want to leave his wife (Ginnifer Goodwin) who has just been declared cancer-free after a five-year battle.

Jon Bernthal is excellent as Dixon, a street-smart cab driver who willingly defends his friends with his fists, but is the solid, caring anchor in the life of a young girl in his building who prefers spending time with him to dealing with her drug addled mother. Sofia Vassilieva is marvelous as the young Mara and I fully expect to see more great work from her in the future. Dixon is eager to serve, which causes friction with his friends' opposing beliefs, but falling in love (Elizabeth Moss) suddenly complicates his life.

The very talented Elijah Wood (and best-known cast member) once again displays the amazing versatility we've seen in all his post-"Lord of the Rings" films. His character, Aaron, is the most interesting and complex. He's a young writer with a successful book who is working against a deadline on his second book. He's clueless, out of shape, bewildered, estranged from his family and in his seventh year of sessions with an apathetic, inept psychiatrist (well done by Ally Sheedy.) He's also certain his draft notice is a death sentence. As Aaron attempts to toughen up and complete his 10-item "to do" list before going off to war, Wood provides some wonderful moments of comedy, which appear in all the right places.

"Day Zero" is ensemble acting at its best and cinematographer Matthew Clark's extensive use of a hand-held camera is perfect for creating a you-are-there empathy with the characters. This is a terrific film that pulls you in and makes you wonder, "What would I do?" It is not a political film; it's a perfectly cast people film and you will love these people. I hope it gets a distributor and the wide release it deserves.

A powerful film about friendship and relations

[brenda-rypens · 10/10 · 4 May 2007]

"Day Zero" tells the story of three friends, George, a lawyer who's married to Molly, Dixon, a cab driver, and Aaron, a writer. When the draft is re-installed, they get 30 days to prepare for war.

While writer Robert Malkani started working on the script over two years ago, the theme is still very accurate. But "Day Zero" is not a war movie, it's more than anything a film about friendship and relations as George, Dixon and Aaron have to face the truth and they all have to find a way to deal with the emotions that are going on in their lives.

Chris Klein is very convincing and totally believable as George Rifkin. I thought him to be a coward at first but he turned into a very brave person. Jon Bernthal was my revelation in the film. I had never even heard of him before but I thought him to be very refreshing and extremely talented. But Elijah Wood stood out for me and this has nothing to do with me being a fan. Elijah proved once again how talented he really is. His portrayal of Aaron is heartbreaking, funny and convincing. It's fascinating to see him take his character to a very dark place. It just seems so easy for him.

The theme of the film could have easily turned it into an over-serious film. It is, but it also has some very funny scenes mixed with some very emotional scenes. "Day Zero" is supported by great cinematography and a strong soundtrack.

If there was anything I missed, it was character development. While George and Dixon are no-nonsense guys, I found it difficult to understand Aaron's motives.

What I most liked is the fact that the film does not force the answers down your throat. As a European, I haven't really given the subject a lot of thought. But the filmmakers give their viewers the opportunity to make up their own mind, to have their own opinion. Never did I have the feeling that they were forcing their opinion down on me. But it did make me think and that's a very good thing.

I truly hope "Day Zero" will find a distributor soon so that it gets what it deserves: a worldwide release!

A Powerful and Thought-Provoking Character Study

[maryschweitzer · 10/10 · 5 May 2007]

I was fortunate to be at the premiere of this film on 4/29/07. Day Zero is set in a future in which we are still fighting in Iraq and the draft is reinstated. It is a character study centered on 3 very different men, how they react to a draft notice, and what they do with the 30 days they have before they must report (Day Zero).

The 3 men: Aaron (Elijah Wood) is a writer with one successful book already published and currently working on his second book. George (Chris Klein) is a successful attorney from a well-to-do family who has just made partner in his law firm and is married to a woman who has recently survived cancer. Dixon (Jon Bernthal) is a cab driver who seems content with his life – he lives alone and is good friends with a young girl in his building.

We learn that George and Dixon were in school together and that Dixon went to jail (or some kind of juvenile lockup) for 2 years when he beat up some guys that were bullying George. We unfortunately aren't told much about how these 2 met and came to be friends with Aaron or anything else about Aaron's background.

The reaction of the 3 men to the draft notice is quite telling for their characters: Aaron immediately throws up, George begins to think about how he can get out of being drafted, and Dixon is immediately excited and ready to go (and angry at George for not wanting to serve).

Aaron provides what comic relief there is in the first half of the movie. He is incredibly insecure. He has a therapist, but his therapist obviously has no interest in him and does crosswords and her nails during their sessions. The fact that Aaron doesn't seem to be bothered by this is another example of his severe insecurity and lack of self-esteem. Aaron is immediately worried about being killed there – and about being killed first because he won't be liked. Aaron makes a list of 10 things he wants to do before leaving, which his friends laugh at and make fun of when he shows them.

The movie is beautifully acted and photographed with a great soundtrack. It is clear during the Q&A that both the director and writer are anti-Iraq war, but they don't shove that down our throats in the movie. I thought they presented a very balanced view of the impact of receiving a draft notice on 3 very different personalities – Dixon who is willing to serve is not written as a "bad guy" because he wants to serve. In fact it is George who is written at several points as the least likable of the characters as he tries to get out of serving. I am sure there are those who will say this is an anti-war movie but for me it simply showed the toll it takes on 3 very different personalities/lives as they face the real likelihood of dying in a war. And it also shows the unfairness of who has to serve and who doesn't have to.

Elijah Wood did an amazing job – there is no sign of him at all in this character. Aaron has none of Elijah's poise, confidence, or joy of life. His funny scenes got good laughs from the audience and my heart broke for Aaron as he clearly sunk deeper and deeper into his breakdown with no one to help him – not his therapist or his friends. I think this is the most complex character Elijah Wood has ever played and he did an amazing job.

My biggest complaint about the film is that Aaron's character wasn't developed more by the writer and director. I felt cheated not knowing how he came to be friends with George and Dixon (esp. since we are told how George and Dixon came to be friends) and why Aaron is estranged from his family. But most importantly what made Aaron make his final decision – was it fear of death or fear that he couldn't live up to his wish to "serve with honor"? Or did he simply have a psychotic break? There is nothing simple about Aaron – I wish we had been able to get to know him better. But that didn't prevent me from enjoying this film and recommending it highly.

This movie deserves to be seen by people on all sides of the Iraq war issue – it presents many sides of the debate and I hope will open many meaningful discussions about the war and the implications of reinstating the draft.

Excellent Thought-provoking Film That Deserves a Wide Audience

[Antiquity · 9/10 · 3 March 2008]

CONTAINS MAJOR SPOILERS! Despite anything you may have read in any review..watch this film for yourself. It's worth it.

First off it's beautifully filmed. You would never guess it had such low budget. Well thought out shots and camera angles. Excellent use of close ups of everyone. Their faces tell the story.

It's not entirely about war but about unprepared young men being blind-sided by being drafted unexpectedly into a war they are unsure of. Even Jon Bernthal's seemingly gung ho character isn't as sure of what he wants as he first appears. He has too much heart and love for other people. He's a genuinely good guy. What will fighting in a real war and seeing it's horrifying atrocities do to his kind soul? He might fight and survive but he won't come back the same man. He may have a load of guilt that he will never be able to shake. Ideals shattered. Nobility in shreds. His is the most clearly exposed character and has the most screen time. He's very good. A new DiNero.

Chris Kline also was good and understated but you can see everything he feels and how torn he his. To leave his cancer survivor wife that he loves dearly. To abandon his career as a successful lawyer. To fight in a war he does not believe is right. Or submit to a draft he believes deprives people of their civil rights and due process of law. A solid quiet and painful portrayal.

Then of course Aaron..Elijah. Poor sad outcast Aaron. A person who cannot even be his own friend. A person self-isolated and despite some interesting life-experiences (the post grad trip to Malaysia) sadly naive. He is locked within his own self-destructive psyche. If he doesn't love and respect himself how can anyone else? Still he has strong bonds with Bernthal and Kline. They get him. They might tease him but they understand him and they are his friends and the only ones who care about him. Elijah is very good. He shows Aaron's pathetic shock at having his fragile life invaded by that draft notice. He is completely unprepared for any kind of combat. Why he never considers getting a psych discharge is surprising. He would have easily gotten one. I knew a guy almost just like him back during Vietnam who was so emotionally wrecked that although he braved two weeks of boot camp he disintegrated so badly the army gladly sent him right home. The army would have done the same for Aaron, I'm sure! But the poor thing never sees this. Making us wonder if he truly sees himself clearly at all. He does have talent as a writer. Something perfectly suited for his loner psychological make-up. He was NOT a fraud as he thought. He took a folk tale and enlarged on it for his book. Last time I looked that wasn't a crime. Authors take such things as inspiration all the time. It was not fraud. Aaron never sees his strengths. He just loathes himself and then when it seems Dixon is disgusted with him after that mis-adventure with the pimp, he really starts to come apart.

The head-shaving is a brilliant dissolving into psychosis scene. His hair really was buzzed off and he still stayed 100% in character. That is enormous credit to his professionalism.

When he calls his sister and she just blows him off it is the final break for him. He can't see that his friends care. That they would help him if he would let them. He is lost within his own madness. He cannot see beyond it. His final decision is so sad because he feels he is vindicating himself and freeing himself. That last smile of his, his only real smile in the movie, is chilling. And for anyone who has ever been there and felt anything like that it resonates deeply.

I love how he found this character and made him different from anyone else he has played. His Depp-titude is becoming more and more apparent. The little nervous tick of his cheek. The not-quite smiles. His ineptness around women. ( Best line..."Maybe later." ) His descent into madness. Elijah has talent in spades.

The supporting cast is all very good too. I love the young blonde girl,Sofia Vassilieva, who loves Dixon. She just breaks my heart. An actress to watch, I'm sure we'll see lots more of her. His older girlfriend,Elisabeth Moss, is good, too. Ginnifer Goodwin is pretty good but perhaps not quite the best.

All this comes down to why this wonderful, intelligent film got the cold shoulder. Well of course it's never been PC to even appear anti-war. But the thing is that's not really what this movie is about. It's about how war effects different types of people and how they deal with it. It doesn't tell you what to do it just makes you think what you MIGHT do in the same situation.

It's a good film that deserves a wide audience. I hope very much it picks up on DVD and TV the interest it should have.

Total fascist Propaganda

[cat_on_imdb · 10/10 · 18 November 2009]

I do not not know where to begin, except to agree with the other reviewers who stated that this film is pro-war. War has always has been and will be a business enterprise. The war in Iraq is/was about oil, geopolitics and nothing more. If you think otherwise there is not much hope for you. This movie was complete nonsense. I will end my review with a rather large quote from Fred Reed about the war on this subject, who could sum it up much better and more eloquently than myself. I apologize for a large quote, but this man was a soldier and he knows the score:

"A friend recently asked me what I would tell a young man thinking about enlisting in the military. (He had in mind his son.) I would tell him this, which I wish someone had told me: Kid, you are being suckered. You are being used. You need to think carefully before signing that enlistment contract.

First, notice that the men who want to send you to die were draft-dodgers. President Bush was of military age during Vietnam, but he sat out the war in the Air National Guard. The Guard was then a common way of avoiding combat. Bush could do it because he was a rich kid who went to Yale, and his family had connections.

He dodged, but he wants you to go.

Vice President Cheney, also of military age during Vietnam, also didn't go. Why? When asked by the press, he said, "I had other priorities." In other words, he was too important to risk his precious self overseas. He dodged, but wants you to go.

In talking to recruiters, you need to understand what you are up against. You are probably nineteen or twenty years old, full of energy and vinegar as we used to say, just starting to know the world. Which means that you don't yet know it.... They know that young men, the ones that are worth anything anyway, want to prove themselves, want adventure, want to show what they can do. Everything a recruiter does is carefully calculated to play on this. They go to recruiting school to learn how.

"The Few. The Proud." You don't think that came out of the Marine Corps, do you? These phrases—"An Army of One," "Be All You Can Be"--come from ad agencies in New York. Nobody in those ad agencies, I promise you, was ever in the Marine Corps. New York sells the military the way it sells soap. It has no interest in you at all.

Recruiters know exactly what they are doing. They are manly, which appeals to gutsy young guys who don't want to be mall rats. They are confident. They have a physical fitness, a clean-cut appearance that looks good compared to all those wussy lawyers in business suits. They invite you to come into a man's world. They promise you college funds. (Check and see how many actually ever get those funds. Read the small print.) Until they put you in combat. Then it's too late. You can't change your mind. They send you to jail for a long time if you do.

Combat is not the adventure you think it is. Know what happens when an RPG hits a tank? Nothing good. The cherry juice—hydraulic fluid that turns the turret—can vaporize and then blow. I saw the results in the Naval Support Activity hospital in Danang in 1967. A tank has a crew of four. Two burned to death, screaming as they tried to get out. The other two were scalded pink, under a plastic sheet that was always foggy with serum evaporating from burns where the skin had sloughed off. They probably lived. Know what burn scars look like? The recruiters won't tell you this. They know, but they won't tell you. Ever seen a guy who just took a round through the face? He's a bloody mess with his eyes gone, nasty hole where his nose was, funny white cartilage things sticking out of dripping meat. Suppose he'll ever have another girlfriend? Not freaking likely. He'll spend the next fifty years as a horror in some forsaken VA hospital.

But the recruiters won't tell you this. They want you to think that it's an adventure.

Other things happen that, depending on your head, may or may not bother you. Iraq means combat in cities. Ordinary people live there. You pop a grenade through a window, or hit a building with a burst from the Chain gun, or maybe put a tank round through it. Then you find the little girl with her bowels hanging out, not quite dead yet, with her mother screaming over what's left. You'd be surprised how much blood a small kid has.

You get to live with that picture for the rest of your life. And you will live with it. The recruiter will tell you that it doesn't happen, that it's the exception, that I'm a communist journalist. Believe him if you want. Believe him now, while you can. When you get back, you'll believe me.

Don't expect thanks from a grateful nation. Somebody might buy you a drink in a bar. That's about all you get. Many will regard you as a criminal or a fool.

Wars seem important at the time, but they usually aren't. Five years later, they are history. About sixty thousand GIs died in Vietnam. We lost. Nothing happened. It was a stupid war for nothing. Today the guys who lost faces and legs and internal organs back then are just freaks. Nobody gives a damn about them, and nobody will give a damn about you. A war is a politician's toy, but your wheelchair is forever. If you want adventure, try the fishing fleet in Alaska.

Think about it."

honest

[gregher · 10/10 · 2 April 2009]

This movie addresses the reality of our times. Its a movie that can take on a common thought for everyone in my generation. I am a 22 year old male who knows people who fight and have fought in Iraq and Afghanistan. The reality of the draft can be overwhelming. I don't want to pretend that I have a unique perspective, because I think many people my age have adopted the same unique understanding that I have. What I am trying to say is that I treat our soldiers like everyone I know. There is so much tension in this world...with the economy, and with the war. You have to treat soldiers with the utmost respect, and this can only be done by sharing a relationship. This movie takes on the task of understanding the war without denying the truth. The truth is that men and women serve to protect our country, but what they go through emotionally is beyond our comprehension. As much as we can argue, the people who serve believe in our freedom. I want more movies like this that can address what goes on in the mind of the people who are willing to give their lives. Sometimes, a man doesn't know that he is willing.