_Billy Lynn's_ script and acting are so bad, that no patriotic theme or action scene can save it.

The movie is full of implausible moments, [spoiler])like falling in love at first sight with a cheerleader and getting brutally attacked by a bunch of workers for some reason)[/spoiler] and awful and unnecesary spiritual-esque talking between Joe Alwyn and Vin Diesel (who by the way, is probably the worst actor for that role, as the only thing he seems to do well is driving fast cars in the worn out Fast and Furious saga). We also see hear some lines that are worth a laugh. Like, seriously worth a laugh.

And the performances... Everyone is acting like a robot, waiting for their time to say the next line. It honestly reminded me of the cut-scenes you see in some video games: weird facial expressions, lack of emotion, forced movements, etc. I couldn't find one moment worth more than an _OK_ in terms of dramatic execution.

The only thing I can imagine would please some people, could be the _God-bless-America_ scent all over this film. The criticism of the society is clear and, at some times, recognizable and true. The war scenes are also pretty decent in terms of action and acting (they are scarse, though, so if you come looking for them, go somewhere else).

If you want the post-war drama reflecting the problems veterans face when they come home, you could give it a chance -with high probabilities of failing-. If these things are not what you are looking for, then don't waste your time, because there is nothing to see here.

**Game, music, celebration, romance, emotion, family, friends and the war!**

After giving the career best, the director Ang Lee returned with this which is quite a long gap for him between the films. He has fallen back to the average, like usual whenever he gives a masterpiece. Most directors do that. This film was adapted from the book of the same name. It was not a full fledged war film. It has soldiers, but one day event theme where they are on the short break to homeland to participate in the felicitation programme for their victory.

The story closely focused on the young soldier, Billy, Lynn. He was the centre of the event, a war hero. During his stay, he recalls the original event. What really happened and what else he could have done. Apart from that, enjoying the day with a game from the stadium, dance, musics and many more. Meeting family has a sub-plot that reveals about his choice to join the army. Overall, a memorable day with happy and sad incidents.

So my first thought in the initial stage was like it is another film similar to the 2009's 'The Messenger'. No, it was not. It was completely different than anything I've seen so far. Refreshing, but not captivating. If you are okay with simple, yet want a feel strong, this is it. It is kind of like mixed result film. Great casting and strong performances. Wonderful debute for the lead actor.

On the other side, mix of colourful, full of music, emotional, romantic, thrilling presentation. A bit Americanised, like the film events and the patriotism. So, a much better suitable film for the domestic audience than the rest of the world, perhaps excluding western world. Even though, watching it once is no harm or not bad.

_7/10_