''Bennett's War'' is a 2019 American

drama Drama is the specific mode of fiction represented in performance: a play, opera, mime, ballet, etc., performed in a theatre, or on radio or television.Elam (1980, 98). Considered as a genre of poetry in general, the dramatic mode has been ...

- sport film written and directed by Alex Ranarivelo. The film stars

Michael Roark Michael may refer to: People * Michael (given name), a given name * Michael (surname), including a list of people with the surname Michael Given name "Michael" * Michael (archangel), ''first'' of God's archangels in the Jewish, Christian and ...

Trace Adkins Trace may refer to: Arts and entertainment Music * ''Trace'' (Son Volt album), 1995 * ''Trace'' (Died Pretty album), 1993 * Trace (band), a Dutch progressive rock band * ''The Trace'' (album) Other uses in arts and entertainment * ''Trace'' ...

, Ali Afshar, and

Allison Paige Allison Paige McBryar (born May 27, 1982) is an American country music singer. Early life Paige was born in Refugio, Texas, and began performing in clubs in Texas with Whiskey River when she was 11 years old. She later joined the dancehall ban ...

. It was released theatrically in the United States by

Forrest Films Forrest Films is an American film production, financing, and distribution company. It was formed in 2018 and is headquartered in Burbank, California, on the Warner Bros lot. History Forrest Films was founded in December 2018 by Lucas Oil founde ...

on August 30, 2019.

Plot

Bennett's War is about a young soldier, Marshall Bennett (

), who is in

75th Ranger Regiment The 75th Ranger Regiment, also known as Army Rangers, is the U.S. Army's premier light infantry unit and special operations force within the United States Army Special Operations Command. The regiment is headquartered at Fort Benning, Georgi ...

during the

War in Afghanistan (2001–2021) The War in Afghanistan was an armed conflict that began when an Participants in Operation Enduring Freedom, international military coalition led by the United States launched United States invasion of Afghanistan, an invasion of Afghanistan, ...

in Army Motorcycle Unit. He survives an

improvised explosive device An improvised explosive device (IED) is a bomb constructed and deployed in ways other than in conventional military action. It may be constructed of conventional military explosives, such as an artillery shell, attached to a detonating mechan ...

(IED) explosion while in combat, breaking his legs, and is in turn medically discharged and sent back home to the United States. Once home, he learns that his dad, Cal Bennett (Adkins), is behind on his mortgage and may lose the family farm. Marshall wants to help, but the only thing he can think to do is become a motocross racer. He ignores all medical advice and goes back to the motocross Circuit. After he wins a few races against his arch-rival Chris Walker and his brother Kurt, Chris and Kurt cause him to have a bad crash injuring his legs again. Some time later Chris and Kurt's team manager, Cyrus, visits Bennett and tells him that Chris and Kurt betrayed him and now he doesn't have a rider for either the Loretta Lynn Amateur National or the Glen Helen National race. Bennett wins the amateur race and qualifies for the pro race. After Kurt and Chris take out multiple riders, the last lap is between Kurt, Chris, and Bennett. On the last turn Kurt tries to crash Bennett like he did earlier but Bennett hits the brakes and Kurt crashes instead. Bennett beats Chris in a photo finish and celebrates with his pit crew.

Cast

as Marshall Bennett *

as Cal Bennett * Ali Afshar as Cyrus *

as Sophie Bennett * Hunter Clowdus as Chris Walker *

Brando Eaton Brando Matthew Eaton (born July 17, 1986) is an American film and television actor. He is best known for his roles in '' Dexter'', ''The Secret Life of the American Teenager'', and ''Zoey 101''. Life and career Brando Matthew Eaton

as Kurt Walker * Michael King as Riley * Tony Panterra as himself

Production

In May 2019, it was reported that Country musician

was portraying the father of Marshall Bennett (played by Michael Roark). The film is loosely based on case histories of real-life wounded veterans, and was shot on actual motocross tracks with real racers.

Release and reception

''Bennett's War'' premiered in

Nashville, Tennessee Nashville is the capital city of the U.S. state of Tennessee and the county seat, seat of Davidson County, Tennessee, Davidson County. With a population of 689,447 at the 2020 United States census, 2020 U.S. census, Nashville is the List of muni ...

, on August 29, 2019, and opened theatrically in the United States on August 30, 2019. Dennis Harvey of '' Variety'' called it "modest but enjoyable" with "lots of impressive racing footage and stunt work," adding that "it should provide an inviting alternative for audiences on the lookout for inspirational family-friendly fare." John DeFore of ''

The Hollywood Reporter ''The Hollywood Reporter'' (''THR'') is an American digital and print magazine which focuses on the Cinema of the United States, Hollywood film industry, film, television, and entertainment industries. It was founded in 1930 as a daily trade pap ...

'' called it "a wholesomely formulaic sports picture rooting its comeback narrative in themes of military duty." John Mulderig of Catholic News Services wrote, "The movie's heart is in the right place and its story arc, though it forms a predictable parabola, will leave viewers feeling cheered." Linda Cook of '' Quad-City Times'' wrote, "An above-average, fast-paced story about recovery and grit, ''Bennett's War'' has its moments, especially when it comes to the challenges injured veterans face when they return home." She praised Roark's performance, saying he has "a wonderful presence in front of the camera… He carries this film beautifully."

References

External links

* * * {{Metacritic film, title=Bennett's War 2019 films 2010s sports films 2010s English-language films American auto racing films Motorcycle racing films Films about veterans Motocross 2010s American films