“Annapolis” (Touchstone Pictures)
James Dean Joins the Navy
Patriotism is still in vogue as the new film “Annapolis” proves. Though this film takes no political stance, it is full of dialogue honoring commitment to country. This theme plus some solid performances by actors James Franco, Tyrese Gibson and Jordana Brewster make “Annapolis” a better movie than expected.
The plot centers on Jake Huard (Franco) a young man who lives across the river from the US Naval Academy. His father is a shipbuilder and wants Jake to follow in his footsteps, but Jake’s mother wanted her son to go to the Academy. Jake is his dead mother’s son and makes every effort to make her dream come true.
Once accepted at the Academy, Jake comes under the watchful eye of upperclassman Cole (Gibson). They have a conflict from the start and Jake knows Cole will do anything to cause him to wash out. But Jake is a man who perseveres and it is going to take more than a gung ho upperclassman to get rid of him.
Brewster plays Ali, another upperclassman who takes an interest in Jake. She is physically attracted to him but has to keep her feelings hidden until the “plebe” year is over. But she does manage to help him train for a boxing event in which he hopes to be pitted against Cole.
Franco first came to be noticed by the public when he played James Dean in a TV biopic. Since that time he has been trying to break away from this Dean stereotype. His role in this movie is more of a romantic, athletic hero than the brooding sort, but there are still traces of the Dean resemblance there.
Gibson is a solid presence in the film. His steely eyes and sullen demeanor are perfect for this role. Brewster is also good because of her effervescent attitude, and her dark beauty. Donnie Wahlberg is noticeable in his role as the naval officer who recruits Jake.
The film is rated PG-13 for profanity and boxing violence.
“Annapolis” is an entertaining film that should increase the public awareness of Franco as a strong leading man. It should also strike a chord with people as to its “honor and commitment” theme.
I scored “Annapolis” a navigated 6 out of 10.
