Is Friendly Fire Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (1980)

📖 The Core Premise

Friendly Fire stands as a 1980 entry that attempts to leave its mark on the Drama, War, TV Movie landscape. At its heart, the film explores complex themes wrapped in a compelling storyline. As the plot unfolds, we see characters navigating a world where stakes are high. "In March 1970, a U.S. Army officer arrived at the Iowa farm of Peg and Gene Mullen and informed them that their son Michael had been killed in Vietnam by "friendly fire." Their determined attempts to learn more about the circumstances of their son's death are the subject of this true account film."

🎬 Performance & Direction

A movie's success often hinges on its execution. Carol Burnett shines in a role that demands both nuance and gravitas, elevating the material significantly. The direction aims to balance pacing with character development, a hallmark of good Drama. While there are moments of brilliance, the pacing occasionally dips.

🤔 Why You Should Watch (or Skip)

Is Friendly Fire worth your time? If you appreciate Drama, War, TV Movie films that take risks, this is likely a must-watch. It stands out as one of the stronger entries of 1980, offering enough depth to satisfy critical viewers while remaining accessible to casual audiences.

🏆 Final Verdict

Ultimately, Friendly Fire is a solid addition to the genre. With a runtime of 147 minutes, it asks for a significant time investment, but for the right audience, it pays off.

Our recommendation: Definitely Watch.