John Krasinski Movies
Best known to small-screen devotees as sales representative Jim Halpert, the eternally patient, undeclared admirer of Pam Beesly (Jenna Fischer) on Greg Daniels' hit NBC sitcom/mockumentary The Office, Massachusetts native John Krasinski graduated from Rhode Island's Brown University in 2001 as an honors playwright, but quickly segued into acting. Within three years launched himself into films, predominantly with bit roles and supporting parts, but consistently echoing the promise that he would soon find himself among number-one box-office draws and Tinseltown heartthrobs. By 2006, in fact, People Magazine featured Krasinski in its "Sexiest Men" issue, a testament to the actor's rapidly growing recognition in the eyes of the public.Born October 20, 1979, Krasinski grew up and attended high school in Newton, an affluent western suburb of Boston. After receiving his degree from Brown, Krasinski studied at the National Theater Institute. 2004 marked the actor's "breakthrough year," with fleeting appearances in no less than four A-list productions. That year, he had bit parts as Ben in the American Zoetrope film Kinsey, a biopic of sex researcher Alfred Kinsey, directed by Bill Condon and starring Liam Neeson; Bob Flynn in Matt Mulhern's finely wrought (and underappreciated) alcoholism drama Duane Hopwood starring David Schwimmer; Messenger #3 in Tim Story's urban comedy Taxi, with Queen Latifah and Jimmy Fallon; and the British CG-animated fantasy Doogal (aka, The Magic Roundabout), which didn't find U.S. release until early 2006. The first two of these films were widely lauded sleepers, the last two critically despised (though they failed to hurt Krasinski's career, given the low profile of his involvement).
The Office followed in 2005. Adapted by Daniels from a hit 2001 British series of the same title, the program -- a ratings bonanza on NBC -- stars Daily Show vet Steve Carell as Michael Scott, the tactless, vain, pushy, and loudmouthed (yet well-meaning) director of the Dunder-Mifflin paper company. While Carell's off-the-wall antics spiked the series with a never-ending source of hilarity, the gradually developing relationship between Krasinski's Jim and Fischer's Pam (two straight roles) brought the series weight and solicited interest from those viewers seeking deeper and more meaningful character development. Perhaps sensing this, Daniels opted to stretch their courtship at a snail's pace over the course of several seasons.
Krasinski would appear in several movies even as The Office's success continued on the small screen, like Jarhead, The Holiday, For Your Consideration, License to Wed, Leatherheads, Away We Go, and Big Miracle. ~ Nathan Southern, Rovi
A young New York artist upsets the balance in a Southern California household in this drama from Ry Russo-Young (You Won't Miss Me) and Lena Dunham (Tiny Furniture). A 23-year-old woman named Martine (Olivia Thirlby) has just arrived in Silver Lake when she moves into a wealthy family's pool house, and begins working to complete her art film. Meanwhile, laid-back father of two Peter (John Krasinski) agrees to his wife's request to help their young guest finish the project. The more time Martine spends with her surrogate family, however, the more apparent it becomes no one will walk away from this situation unchanged. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi
- Starring:
- John Krasinski, Olivia Thirlby, (more)
When a family of gray whales becomes trapped in the Arctic Circle, a Greenpeace volunteer and a small-town reporter go to extraordinary lengths to save the majestic creatures in this romantic adventure inspired by actual events. Alaskan newsman Adam Carlson (John Krasinski) has grown weary of working in such a small market. He's eager to move on to bigger and better things when the story of a lifetime lands right in his lap. Ice has been forming in the Arctic Circle at a rate so fast that a family of gray whales has become hopelessly stranded. As the eyes of the world turn toward this small, chilly corner of the globe, an oil tycoon, slews of politicians, and countless journalists descend upon Alaska -- each with their own hidden agenda. Meanwhile, the only one Adam notices is Rachel Kramer (Drew Barrymore), a devout environmentalist who also happens to be his ex-girlfriend. As the situation grows dire, the unlikely pair rallies a diverse coalition of allies to work together toward the common goal of saving the endangered marine mammals. The result is a rescue mission that will help to thaw Cold War tensions between America and Russia, and show the entire world just what can be accomplished when we start working together, instead of pulling apart. Dermot Mulroney, Tim Blake Nelson, Ted Danson, and Kristen Bell co-star. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi
- Starring:
- John Krasinski, Drew Barrymore, (more)
A small-town teacher stands up to a pair of drilling representatives who are determined to exploit the local resources, and receives some unexpected support as the community rallies to drive away the persistent interlopers in this drama from director Gus Van Sant. Steve Butler (Matt Damon) is a corporate salesman with a reputation for getting results. When the company he works for draws up plans to drill for natural gas in an economically depressed farming community, Steve and his partner (Frances McDormand) attempt to convince the locals that they have an opportunity to profit from the project. At first the locals are welcoming, but when venerable teacher Frank Yates (Hal Holbrook) voices objection, concerned locals Dustin (John Krasinski) and Alice (Rosemarie DeWitt) help to launch an effective grassroots campaign against the drilling. In addition to co-producing and co-starring in Promised Land, Damon and Krasinski also collaborated on the screenplay for the film, adapted from a story by Dave Eggers (Where the Wild Things Are, Away We Go). ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi
Luke Greenfield's Something Borrowed stars Ginnifer Goodwin as Rachel, a 30-year-old lawyer always able to put aside what she wants for the betterment of her BFF since childhood, Darcy (Kate Hudson), a sexy extrovert who never met a party or a drink she didn't like. Darcy is marrying Dex (Colin Egglesfield), Rachel's study partner from law school, and the guy she's had a massive crush on since they took their first Torts class together. When Dex and Rachel finally hook up just months before the wedding, he realizes he might be marrying the wrong woman, but pressures from his parents corner him into going through with his duties, even if it's not what his heart wants. Meanwhile, Rachel's other best friend, Ethan (John Krasinski), does his best to convince her to make a big play for Dex before it's too late. ~ Perry Seibert, Rovi
- Starring:
- Kate Hudson, Ginnifer Goodwin, (more)
An aged, divorced mother becomes "the other woman" in her ex-husband's life when the pair enters into an unexpected affair during an out-of-town trip. Jane (Meryl Streep) has been divorced from Jake (Alec Baldwin) for a decade. The mother of three grown children, she owns a successful Santa Barbara bakery/restaurant and maintains a friendly relationship with Jake, who has since been remarried to the much younger Agness (Lake Bell). Jane and Jake are attending their son's college graduation when they agree to an innocent meal together. Before long a simple dinner date has erupted into an all-out affair, and when architect Adam (Steve Martin) falls for Jane, he realizes he's been drawn into a most peculiar love triangle. Is love sweeter the second time around, or should Jane and Jake just be happy with what they had, and finally move on with their lives? ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi
- Starring:
- Meryl Streep, Steve Martin, (more)
When human-hating aliens disrupt earthbound cable-television signals, it's up to a monster-hunting superhero to take out the pesky extraterrestrials and ensure that television viewers are not deprived in this animated adaptation of the popular comic-book series. The DreamWorks Animation release is being helmed by Shrek 2 director Conrad Vernon and Shark Tale's Rob Letterman. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi
- Starring:
- Reese Witherspoon, Hugh Laurie, (more)
When slacker thirtysomething couple Burt (John Krasinski) and Verona (Maya Rudolph) discover that his parents are moving overseas, the duo -- who expect their first child in a few months -- set off on a cross-country tour to figure out where they should lay down some roots in Sam Mendes' poignant comedy Away We Go. They visit a number of different cities, and meet with a different friend or family member's family at each stop. Their hosts include a set of emotionally detached parents (Allison Janney and Jim Gaffigan), a pair of overprotective new-age parents (Maggie Gyllenhaal and Josh Hamilton), and old college pals (Chris Messina and Melanie Lynskey), who have adopted a number of kids. Novelist Dave Eggers wrote the script with Vendela Vida. ~ Perry Seibert, Rovi
- Starring:
- John Krasinski, Maya Rudolph, (more)
- 2009
- NR
- Add Brief Interviews With Hideous Men to Queue Add Brief Interviews With Hideous Men to top of Queue
Adapted from the book by David Foster Wallace, Brief Interviews with Hideous Men tells the story of Sara Quinn, a graduate student in anthropology who's left feeling lost after her boyfriend breaks up with her and offers little explanation as to why. With her dissertation looming, Sara begins a project to interview men, all sorts of men, trying to unearth the mystery of their bizarre behavior. As her personal life and her academic life continue to mingle, Sara uncovers some strange and disturbing things about the male perspective, but nothing could be quite as strange as what she learns about herself. ~ Cammila Collar, Rovi
- Starring:
- Julianne Nicholson, John Krasinski, (more)
Good Night, and Good Luck director George Clooney pulls double duty once again in this sports-oriented romantic comedy set against the formation of professional football in the 1920s. Dodge Connelly (Clooney) is a brash and handsome gridiron giant who is equally comfortable leading his team in a barroom brawl or charging for a touchdown in a packed stadium. But when Connelly's team loses their sponsor and the entire league appears set to collapse, the quick-thinking jock attempts a creative late-game comeback. If Connelly can convince former college football star and decorated war hero Carter Rutherford (John Krasinski) to join the team, there may be hope for the ill-fated team after all. Back in World War I, Rutherford single-handedly forced the surrender of multiple German soldiers -- a feat that firmly established the dashing young soldier as America's favorite son. Not only that, but Rutherford's unparalleled speed makes him a valuable asset to the team. To cub reporter Lexie Littleton (Renée Zellweger), Rutherford seems simply too good to be true, and she's determined to prove that her theory is correct. As Littleton digs deep into Rutherford's past, the two teammates enter into a fierce competition for her erratic affections. Now, as Connelly's plan begins to work better than he ever could have anticipated, the rowdy sport he always loved starts to take on a whole new look and feel. In the midst of holding his team together and simultaneously charming the girl of his dreams, Connelly discovers he may be able to use the same strategies he does to win on the field to win in love. Of course, there might be a few fouls as this game enters the fourth quarter, but like every good player, Connelly knows the value of always having a secret play to fall back on before the final score is called. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi
- Starring:
- George Clooney, Renée Zellweger, (more)
Love and reinvention -- sometimes touching, other times cringe-worthy -- are major themes in Season 5 of the acclaimed mockumentary that perfectly captures the petty agonies and daily lunacies of corporate America. The first episode sets up story arcs that resonate throughout the season. Repressed party-committee peon Phyllis (Phyllis Smith) reveals her scheming side by blackmailing Angela (Angela Kinsey), whom Phyllis witnessed having an interpersonal encounter of the illicit kind with Dwight (Rainn Wilson) at Season 4's end. But it's the coveted party-planning power Phyllis desires, not money. She later uses her newfound authority to plan a Moroccan-themed holiday fete that she promises will not be "your grandmother's Christmas party...unless of course she's from Morocco." A not-so-humbled Ryan (B.J. Novak) returns to Dunder Mifflin as a temporary replacement for new art-school student Pam (Jenna Fischer), and later participates in an ill-conceived business venture by dunderhead boss Michael Scott (Steve Carell). A relationship develops between Michael and new human-resources associate Holly (Amy Ryan), possibly the only person in the world who doesn't think he's an idiot. Interfering with the budding romance, however, is the cold corporate machine that is Dunder Mifflin -- not to mention Michael's very pregnant (and, according to Oscar, "certifiably insane") ex-girlfriend Jan (Melora Hardin). There's also a few surprises concerning the relationship between Jim (John Krasinski) and Pam, and Idris Elba has a deliciously deadpan seven-episode arc as Michael's new boss, a no-nonsense manager who makes Jan look like a softy. ~ Dianne Zoccola, Rovi
Shrek and Fiona's (Mike Myers and Cameron Diaz, respectively) fairy-tale wedding has gone off without a hitch, yet just as the beaming newlyweds prepare to enjoy their blissful "happily ever after," the sudden death of King Harold (John Cleese) finds everyone's favorite ornery ogre being reluctantly fitted for the royal crown. Troubled to learn that not only will he be compelled to rule Far Far Away, but that he and Fiona are also expecting a little ogre, Shrek determines to track down his new bride's rebellious cousin, Artie (Justin Timberlake) -- the one true heir to the throne -- in order to focus on fatherhood without the added distraction of having to preside over the kingdom. As Shrek sets out with faithful companions Donkey (Eddie Murphy) and Puss in Boots (Antonio Banderas) to locate the medieval high-school slacker and bring him back to become the reigning sovereign of Far Far Away, handsome snake Prince Charming (Rupert Everett) slithers back to the castle in the company of the dreaded Captain Hook (Ian McShane) to stage a diabolically timed coup and assume control of the throne. Now, as Shrek, Donkey, and Puss in Boots do their best to wrangle up the feisty Artie, Fiona must enlist the aid of fighting princesses Snow White (Amy Poehler), Sleeping Beauty (Cheri Oteri), Rapunzel (Maya Rudolph), and Cinderella (Amy Sedaris) to barricade the castle and fend off Prince Charming's invading army of fairy-tale villains until her beloved husband can return with the cavalry to save the day. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi
- Starring:
- Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy, (more)
Season 4 of the acclaimed mockumentary opens with the discovery that Ryan Howard (B.J. Novak) has ascended the corporate ladder from fresh-faced intern to stylishly bearded corporate chieftain. The young gun promptly exercises his authority by charging Dunder Mifflin into the digital age, an affront to technologically dull Scranton branch boss Michael Scott (Steve Carell). Here are the romantic "fax" of life at the office: Jim Halpert (John Krasinski) and Pam Beesly (Jenna Fischer) are hot, Dwight Schrute (Rainn Wilson) and Angela Martin (Angela Kinsey) are not, and Andy Bernard (Ed Helms) and Angela are giving it a shot. A giddy Jam (Jim/Pam) proudly bring their hushed and long-delayed romance to public light, even spending an unsettling night at the Schrute family farm. Dwight confesses to killing Angela's treasured cat Sprinkles, prompting Angela to terminate their romance, which leaves tight Dwight heartbroken and miserable. Angela, in turn, falls into the arms of newest staffer Andy, but only reluctantly. As for Michael, he huffs and puffs through a 5K fun run; hopes to attend a Web-site launch party in the Big Apple; faces a ballooning personal debt; goes on a wilderness survival retreat; butts heads with desk jockey Stanley Hudson (Leslie David Baker); and travels a bumpy-road romance with high-maintenance ex-bigwig Jan Levinson (Melora Hardin), who's mired in a messy wrongful-termination lawsuit with corporate. All this doesn't stop Michael from obsessing over a model in an office-supply catalog or clubbing for "hot hotties" with Ryan in New York. As the year winds down, slumping human-resources drone Toby Flenderson (Paul Lieberstein) decides to quit his post and move to Costa Rica. This development prompts the arrival of a new HR worker named Holly (Amy Ryan), whose sunny presence clearly begins to brighten Michael's downcast world. ~ Dean Maurer, Rovi
One woman's day goes all to pot in this resinous comedy from independent filmmaker Gregg Araki. Jane (Anna Faris) is a college dropout and aspiring actress who suffers from a certain lack of ambition, doubtless reinforced by her fondness for marijuana. One morning, Jane wakes with a busy day ahead of her -- she has a big audition, she has to pay the electric bill on her apartment to prevent the power from being shut off, and she needs to pick up some pot after paying her debt to her dealer -- and decides to take the edge off her anxieties by getting a little stoned. Under the influence, the cupcakes her roommate Steve (Danny Masterson) has made for his friends to enjoy at the weekend's Sci-Fi convention look too good to resist, and she gobbles them down. What Jane doesn't realize until it's too late is that the baked goods were laced with some especially strong marijuana, and what starts as a pleasant buzz turns into a world-class high that refuses to go away. As Jane struggles to make her way through the day, fate keeps throwing her into strange and surreal situations involving police officers, Steve's lovesick best friend, and a rare original manuscript of The Communist Manifesto. Smiley Face also stars Adam Brody, John Krasinski, Jane Lynch, Michael Hitchcock, John Cho and Roscoe Lee Browne. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi
- Starring:
- Anna Faris, Roscoe Lee Browne, (more)
An engaged young couple finds their lifetime of happiness unexpectedly compromised by a pushy minister who insists they successfully complete his comprehensive marriage-prep course before exchanging wedding vows in a matrimonial comedy starring John Krasinski, Mandy Moore, and Robin Williams. Sadie Jones (Moore) has always longed to marry the man of her dreams in her family church. Though she found her lifetime companion in Ben Murphy (Krasinski), Sadie is distressed to learn that St. Augustine's has only one wedding slot available over the next two years. While Sadie and Ben do qualify for the slot, charismatic St. Augustine's minister Reverend Frank (Williams) won't wed the couple until they agree to attend his two-week prenuptial course. Now, as their wedding date draws near, Sadie and Ben must attend every one of Reverend Frank's exhausting classes and complete a series of rigorous homework assignments designed specifically to test their dedication to one another and ensure that their union will have a sound foundation. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi
- Starring:
- Robin Williams, Mandy Moore, (more)
As Season 3 of The Office gets underway, Pam (Jenna Fischer) remains unable to express her feelings for Jim (John Krasinski) after the pair recently shared a kiss and now Jim has taken a promotion that means transferring to Connecticut. Michael (Steve Carell) has discovered that Oscar (Oscar Nunez) is gay, and has enlisted the aid of Dwight (Rainn Wilson) in determining who else in the Scranton branch of Dunder Mifflin might be homosexual. Despite the fact that Pam called off her wedding to Roy (David Denman), her ex-fiancé is determined to win her back. Later, Michael holds a special meeting to encourage others who may be gay to openly express their sexuality. In a misguided effort to sincerely express that he believes there is nothing wrong with homosexuality, Michael attempts to kiss Oscar, who is clearly uncomfortable, on the lips. After that incident, Jan (Melora Hardin) attempts to get Oscar to sign a document saying he will not sue Dunder Mifflin. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi
Mockumentary mastermind Christopher Guest turns his satirical eye away from dog shows, small-town theater, and folk music to offer a hilarious take on Hollywood award season in this comedy focusing on trio of actors whose lives are turned upside down when they discover that their performances in an independent film are generating a sizable buzz in the entertainment industry. Jay Berman (Guest) is in the process of directing his first feature film -- an intimate family drama set in the 1940s and detailing the tempestuous reunion of an estranged Jewish family that is reluctantly drawn together to celebrate Purim at the behest of their dying matriarch. The cast soon comes down with an infectious case of award fever when rumors on the Internet claim that "Purim" stars Marilyn Hack (Catherine O' Hara), Victor Allan Miller (Harry Shearer), and Callie Webb (Parker Posey) may be delivering Oscar-caliber performances. When "Hollywood Now" co-anchors Chuck Porter (Fred Willard) and Cindy Martin (Jane Lynch) perpetuate the buzz on national television, the entire film crew starts to see stars in their eyes. Subsequently convinced that they have a sleeper hit on their hands, unit publicist Corey Taft (John Michael Higgins), talent agent Morley Orfkin (Eugene Levy), and producer Whitney Taylor Brown (Jennifer Coolidge) immediately cave to requests from Sunfish Classics president Martin Gibb (Ricky Gervais) to alter the film so that it may appeal to a larger audience. Now, while "Purim" screenwriters Lane Iverson (Michael McKean) and Philip Koontz (Bob Balaban) are forced to watch helplessly as their original screenplay is plundered in order to cash in on the positive buzz, awards season draws near and the production takes a most unexpected turn. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi
- Starring:
- Bob Balaban, Jennifer Coolidge, (more)
Nancy Meyers' romantic comedy Holiday stars Cameron Diaz and Kate Winslet as two women who exchange houses in order to get a new lease on life. After each suffers her fair share of romantic disappointments, Englishwoman Iris (Winslet) and L.A. woman Amanda (Diaz) meet on-line at a website devoted to helping people exchange houses for vacations. Each agrees to spend the Christmas holiday at the other's home. While each suffers from a minor case of culture shock, both women also end up becoming involved with a man. Iris makes the acquaintance of an upbeat everyman played by Jack Black, while Amanda spends time with a handsome Brit played by Jude Law. Both women must decide what to do with these new relationships as their pre-arranged house switch is scheduled to last less than two weeks. ~ Perry Seibert, Rovi
- Starring:
- Cameron Diaz, Kate Winslet, (more)
Director Bill Condon brings Tom Eyen's Tony award-winning Broadway musical to the big screen in a tale of dreams, stardom, and the high cost of success in the cutthroat recording industry. The time is the 1960s, and singers Effie (Jennifer Hudson), Lorrell (Anika Noni Rose), and Deena (Beyoncé Knowles) are about to find out just what it's like to have their wildest dreams come true. Discovered at a local talent show by ambitious manager Curtis Taylor Jr. (Jamie Foxx), the trio known as "the Dreamettes" is soon offered the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity of opening for popular singer James "Thunder" Early (Eddie Murphy). Subsequently molded into an unstoppable hit machine by Taylor and propelled into the spotlight as "the Dreams," the girls quickly find their bid for the big time taking priority over personal friendship as Taylor edges out the ultra-talented Effie so that the more beautiful Deena can become the face of the group. Now, as the crossover act continues to dominate the airwaves, the small-town girls with big-city dreams slowly begin to realize that the true cost of fame may be higher than any of them ever anticipated.
~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi
~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi
- Starring:
- Jamie Foxx, Beyoncé Knowles, (more)
The American TV version of the award-winning British sitcom The Office opens by establishing its faux documentary format, as Michael Scott (Steve Carell), regional manager of a branch office of Dunder-Mifflin Paper, jumps through hoops to convince the filmmakers that he presides over a happy, well-running ship. This is but one of Michael's many pathetic self-delusions: he also thinks he's the epitome of "cool," he's convinced that everything he says is a laugh riot, and even worse, he actually labors under the misapprehension that he is qualified for his job. Meanwhile, Dunder Mifflin's employees inadvertently but efficiently put the lie to Michael's self-serving prevarications: sales rep Jim Halpert (John Krasinski) continually cooks up methods to undermine his hated cube-mate, the obnoxious know-it-all Dwight Schrute (Rainn Wilson); receptionist Pam Beesly (Jenna Fischer) continually deals with Michael's insensitivities and flubs; and office temp Ryan Howard (B.J. Novak) acts mostly as an observer of the insanity around him. Some of the episodes in The Office's six-episode trial run carried over general plot ideas from the earlier British series, particularly the threat of wholesale downsizing that weaves through the various plots and subplots; however, only the pilot was a direct adaptation of one of the U.K. version's episodes. ~ Rovi
- Starring:
- Steve Carell, John Krasinski, (more)
It's time to clock in for Season Two of The Office, the hilarious and witty TV-mockumentary starring Steve Carell (The 40-Year-Old Virgin) in his Golden Globe Award-winning role. From sexual politics to performance reviews to email espionage, the employees at Dunder-Mifflin are there to get the job doneâ¦or not. Join earnest but clueless boss Michael Scott (Carell), Assistant to the Regional Manager Dwight (Rainn Wilson), receptionist Pam (Jenna Fischer), sales rep Jim (John Krasinski), and the office temp, Ryan (B.J. Novak), as they make the daily grind a lot more laughable. Fully staffed with 22 outrageous episodes and hours of side-splitting bonus features, itâs the must-own collection that caused Time magazine to declare "Never has a lousy job been so much fun."
- Starring:
- Steve Carell, Rainn Wilson, (more)
- 2005
The NBC sitcom The Office was based on the British comedy series of the same name, co-created by Ricky Gervais, who in the original series had also starred as David Brent, terminally disingenuous office manager of Wernham Hogg Paper Merchants (Slough Branch). The American version top-billed Steve Carell as Michael Scott, regional manager in a branch office of the Dunder-Mifflin Paper Company. Forever trying to put a "happy face" on office conditions where he worked, Michael was cursed with two fatal flaws: he thought he was funny and cool, and worse yet, he thought he was actually competent. Michael's employees included laid-back, sarcastic sales rep Jim Halpert (John Krasinski); Jim's cubicle-mate and mortal enemy, ineffectual but power-hungry Dwight Schrute (Rainn Wilson); engaged receptionist Pam Beesly (Jenna Fischer), whom Jim secretly has a crush on; and office temp Ryan Howard (B.J. Novak), who quietly observes the office hijinks from the sidelines. Filmed in a faux documentary style, The Office began its first season (actually a six-episode trial run) on March 24, 2005. ~ Rovi
- Starring:
- Steve Carell, Rainn Wilson, (more)
A young man gets a crash course in the madness of war in this fact-based drama from director Sam Mendes. Anthony "Swoff" Swofford (Jake Gyllenhaal) decides to join the Marines, just like his father and his father before him, and signs on just in time to be sent to Iraq to fight in the Gulf War in 1991. After experiencing the rigors of boot camp, Swofford and his pal Troy (Peter Sarsgaard) are trained to be snipers, and under the leadership of Sgt. Sykes (Jamie Foxx) and Lt. Col. Kazinski (Chris Cooper), the two land in the middle of a desert where they're up against an enemy they can't always see under a blazing sun with hours of boredom punctuated by moments of sheer terror. Swofford, Troy, and their fellow soldiers rely on the wits, their sense of humor, and their friendship of their brothers in arms to deal with a situation that doesn't much resemble what they saw on television at home. Jarhead was based on the memoirs of the real-life Anthony Swofford, who did serve as a sniper in the 1991 Gulf War; the title comes from military slang for a Marine enlistee. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi
- Starring:
- Jake Gyllenhaal, Peter Sarsgaard, (more)
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