Movie Review: Taking Chance

Lt. Col. Michael Strobl escorts the body of fallen soldier 19-year-old Pvt. First Class Chance Phelps to his hometown of Dubois, Wyoming. Along the way Lt. Col. Strobl is stunned by the respect and honor paid to this fallen soldier at each leg of the journey by ordinary Americans who recognize in this flag draped casket a soldier who gave his life for his country.

Taking Chance is the true story of a marine officer who volunteers to escort the body of a fallen soldier to his home state. This HBO movie is riveting and brings viewers to tears with its simplicity and honesty. The movie is adapted from a story written by Lt. Col. Michael Strobl after completing his journey with Pvt. First Class Chance Phelps, who was posthumously promoted to the rank of Lance Corporal for his bravery in battle.

Kevin Bacon is superb and understated as the officer whose loyalty to the armed service pales in comparison to the love for this one lone soldier making his way home. Bacon embodies the soul of Lt. Col. Strobl, it is a performance you need to see. The supporting cast is very good. Every aspect of this movie is at a high level of excellence, with great care taken by the filmmakers and actors to tell this important story as accurately as possible.

Bacon won a Screen Actors Guild and Golden Globe award for his performance, the awards were well deserved for this often underrated actor. If you haven’t seen Taking Chance you should include this film on your must see list.

2009. Directed by Ross Katz. Starring Kevin Bacon, Tom Aldredge, Blanche Baker, Guy Boyd, James Castanien, Gordon Clapp, Mike Colter, and Tate Ellington.

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