ANNAPOLIS

A young boxer tries to fight his way into the Naval Academy in the military drama, ANNAPOLIS. Jake Huard, played by James Franco, is surprised to see a Navy recruiter outside the steel mill that he works at. The recruiter has seen Jake box at the local bingo hall, and feels the tenacity and perseverance Jake shows in the ring may translate into a fine naval officer. Jake accepts the invitation to Annapolis, but may have gotten more than he bargained for, squaring off with an overbearing commanding officer, competitive classmates and the rigorous training.

Although ANNAPOLIS nails the right themes, codes and mantras involved in serving your country, the film’s portrait of the actual academy might as well be Narnia or the Land of Oz. I highly doubt the Naval Academy would put up with half of what is depicted in the film. Fraternizing with a commanding officer, insubordination and attacking a lieutenant are, as far as I know, grounds for immediate dismissal. Jake commits each of these transgressions throughout the film, but still seems to land on his feet. Franco is fine playing the defiant Jake, but I can’t help but wonder when the rebel routine will wear off. Tyrese Gibson, as commanding officer Cole, provides a real commanding presence and is leaving his modeling career as a distant memory. His character deserves to be in a better film. ANNAPOLIS isn’t a bad picture, just not a believable one.

Grade: C