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Kevin Bacon, Paige Turco, Sarah Thompson, Tom Wopat, Tom Aldredge ... see more see more... , Blanche Baker , Gordon Clapp , Ann Dowd , John Bedford Lloyd , William Wise , Victor Slezak , Julie White , Julian Gamble , Tate Ellington , Emily Wickersham

Inspired by the true story of the United States Marine who volunteered to escort the remains of a nineteen year old soldier who was killed in Iraq to his small hometown in remote Wyoming, Taking Chanc... read more read more...e stars Kevin Bacon in the feature directorial debut of Oscar-nominated producer Ross Katz. Lance Corporal Chance Phelps (USMC) was just nineteen years old when he was killed during active duty. Now, as Lance Corporal Phelps is prepared for his final journey back home, Lieutenant Colonel Michael Strobl (USMC) (Bacon) makes it his personal mission to ensure that his fallen brother is laid to rest with the proper respect. As the journey begins, Lieutenant Colonel Strobl gains a greater appreciation of the sacrifices made in war than ever before. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi

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83% liked it

3,438 ratings

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6 critics

Unrated, 1 hr. 17 min.

Directed by: Ross Katz

Release Date: February 21, 2009

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DVD Release Date: May 12, 2009

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Flixster Reviews (684)

  • LorenzoVonMatterhorn
    July 8, 2010
    LorenzoVonMatterhorn
    "You are his witness now. Without a witness, they just disappear."

    Based on real-life events, Lt. Col. Michael Strobl, a volunteer military escort officer, accompanies the body of 19-year-old Marine Chance Phelps back to his hometown of Dubois, Wyoming.

    ... read moree=+2 face="Century Schoolbook">REVIEW
    A muted, dignified film that boasts limited dialog and gorgeous Western scenery, it speaks to something that is desperately needed in the wake of current events over the last seven years: namely meditative, apolitical understanding that war is not merely platitudes, large, grand declarations of duty or the bombs, bullets and destruction that audiences tend to get dulled into complacency but is also about deep, implacable loss and the ability to accept, continue and believe in the face of it. A movie probably meant for the big screen but fits much more comfortably and intimately as a television film, this film is a far too rare examination of the kind of experiences that many servicemen and/or family of servicemen endure during a time of long, protracted war. Ready for a sobering look at the current conflict in Iraq through clear, gentle eyes? Look this one up.
  • LWOODS04
    April 25, 2010
    LWOODS04
    Kevin Bacon, Tom Aldredge, Guy Boyd Blanche Baker, Ruby Jerins, Mike Colter, Henry Coy, Tom Wopat

    DIRECTED BY: Ross Katz

    Based on real-life events, Lt. Col. Michael Strobl, a volunteer military escort officer, accompanies the body of 19-year-old Marine Chance Phelps back to... read more his hometown of Dubois, Wyoming.

    This is one of those movie's where actions speak louder than words. With it being the people turning on their vehicles lights as they are passing, or to the flight attendant not saying much but handing over a cross that says it all. Very emotional movie. Touching and moving. Definitely shed a good amount of tears throughout this film. But it does touch home for a lot of us who has family members and friends still fighting and for those who have lost there loved ones. It's well worth the watch. Kevin Bacon did brilliant in this movie. Great movie. Give it a watch..
  • briandeguelle
    May 29, 2009
    briandeguelle
    Kevin Bacon again proves again he is a talent that is second to none and is very watchable in this emotional and fashionation dama.Short film but staingh to the point .Very recommended movie.
  • aaiverson
    November 26, 2011
    aaiverson
    Taking Chance tries to go where no other film has gone before - and in this respect it succeeds. However, the film is weighed down by mostly wooden performances and a dull screenplay that insists on repeating the same military protocols over and over again.
  • threefolddado
    December 9, 2010
    threefolddado
    Uncompromisingly patriotic as it is well crafted, this story manages to encompass a human experience not often spoke about. Kevin Bacon gives a performance that puts him back on the map. A touching and heartfelt story worthy of attention.
  • ileo
    October 8, 2010
    ileo
    Absolutely amazing performance by Kevin Bacon. Powerful story plot.
  • irisheyes686
    January 22, 2010
    irisheyes686
    Such a sweet story! I was especially touched by how the military treats their fallen soldiers. Bacon did a really good job.
  • EnigmaticHallucination
    August 10, 2009
    EnigmaticHallucination
    First and for most I just have to say wow. Ross Katz is an amazing director that I will need to follow from this point on. Powerful, inspirational, moving, motivational, emotional, powerful. The first and last are the same because honestly that is what that movie is. I think ever... read morey American needs to watch this movie, I would say everyone everywhere but there are people out there that just will never understand what this movie is saying. Sadly there are just as many Americans out there that won?t understand just how deep and meaningful this film is.
    Now this isn?t an action film. This is a story of a Marine, a PFC that was killed in the line of duty during ?Operation Freedom?. I feel with all I am that this movie needed to be made and come out when it did. There are people out there that don?t understand the war, don?t agree with it, whatever the case. This movie doesn?t make excuses or try to explain. It?s simply the story of the 2 men?s lives, and how just because one of them is no longer with us, it doesn?t cease to inspire. You have Kevin Bacon playing a Marine officer that works at Quantico doing reports on what he feels are adequate numbers to send to replace those KIA. The start of the movie is a little different from the pace of the movie but it stands to show Kevin?s character and gives him a baseline to start. When the superior Officer hears Bacon?s report he asks how many of the officers in the room have served a tour in the sandbox and he was the only one not to raise his hand. It is then that the Commander says that he means no disrespect, but he doesn?t want the opinion of someone who hasn?t been over there. Just the way that line is delivered and the look in Kevin?s face you can see the regret, the shame and just so much underneath.
    It is after this that he sees the order come down that there is a PFC needing to be shipped home. Now normally such high ranking officers don?t follow the solider home but he wants to make an exception this time. The Marine that was KIA is so young and only a PFC but he is impressively decorated for his short time in battle. You see the care and the just meticulous work that goes into preparing the Solider for his last journey. Due to an overwhelming amount of soldiers needing processed the PFC gets pushed back to being released the next day. It is here that they start their trip. Two men bound by something greater than blood, they are bound by honor and duty.
    ?The remains of the traveled feet first when being transported from one point to the other. At each transfer point, regardless of the mode of transport you will render honors.? This is the speech given to each of the soldiers accompanying the men home. The airport is the first stop and almost right away you can?t help but be taken off guard as the lady behind the counter takes over for the person who was going to help Kevin, and she tells him that things have been taken care of and she has upgraded him to first class. She then proceeds to thank him for everything he has done. Seeing someone just pay their respect right there like that was an amazing thing to see but it is far from the last. All along the way people from all walks of life in all places recognize what has happened and what it means and they all pay tribute.
    I?m not going to name each of the incidents but this movie has two of the most powerful images I?ve seen in movies in a long time, if not ever. Before the flight you see Kevin speak with some of the a couple people that are baggage handlers. He has to stay overnight as the flight isn?t until the morning. Kevin doesn?t leave the soldiers side and requests to stay in the hanger with him to not leave his man alone. The one baggage handler comes back afterwards and brings blankets and such for Kevin to sleep on because he has nothing for a situation like this. The next morning as they go to move him to the plane you slowly see all the baggage handlers and miscellaneous people gather around the plane, removing their hands and paying their respect. As the solider makes his way up the conveyer you see each person, not knowing this solider or the things he did, each pay their respect and you can see in their faces that they get it. The fact that nobody told them to do that, that they all came together like that is really something. Showing the solidarity and respect for someone who gave so much is truly amazing.
    It wasn?t until Kevin was following the funeral home transport down this back country road when you see this semi start to pass. At first it?s like wow that is really rude?but suddenly he takes down his hat and turns on his headlights. Next there is another car passing turning on its lights and keeping pace with the hearse. It isn?t long till you see a couple more cars and what was once a deserted road suddenly has a precession of people, all with their lights on, all escorting the soldier?s homes. This scene was enough to bring tears to my eyes because you have out of nowhere people just coming together all showing the respect and the time to someone that truly deserves it.
    This movie is beyond humbling as you hear the stories of some of what happen to ?Chance?, the PFC. How he was carefree but serious and disciplined. His heroic acts which saved his squad are unbelievably humbling. The way the people in his life talk about him and the things they have to say. I couldn?t help but think how some of us really don?t measure up to the amazing men and women that put their lives on the line for their country and our freedoms that so many take for granted. They pay the ultimate price for us every day individuals and it is a deep and powerful message that you can?t help but take with you. This isn?t an action film; it isn?t something that some Hollywood person came up with to extort money from movie goers. This is the tale of a hero, a memory of the men and women that have given and STILL give each day so we can remain free. God bless the soldiers.


  • mvieaddict
    February 28, 2009
    mvieaddict
    Inspired by the true story of the United States Marine who volunteered to escort the remains of a nineteen year old soldier who was killed in Iraq to his small hometown in remote Wyoming, Taking Chance stars Kevin Bacon in the feature directorial debut of Oscar-nominated producer... read more Ross Katz. Lance Corporal Chance Phelps (USMC) was just nineteen years old when he was killed during active duty. Now, as Lance Corporal Phelps is prepared for his final journey back home, Lieutenant Colonel Michael Strobl (USMC) (Bacon) makes it his personal mission to ensure that his fallen brother is laid to rest with the proper respect. As the journey begins, Lieutenant Colonel Strobl gains a greater appreciation of the sacrifices made in war than ever before.

    Kevin Bacon, one of the most fantastic talents in Hollywood, played the Colonel to perfection. The movie was a very short, but seemed as if it lasted for several hours. It's not depressing, nor is it anti-war. Chance was killed by a roadside bomb and attack on a road in Iraq.

    It was educational for me to see the care and painstaking respect each person gave in honor of the fallen soldier...whether it was the military personnel who cleaned the body, pressed the new uniform, or the kid driver who drove Kevin to the airport...the baggage handlers, the airline ticket seller, other marines, vets, friends or strangers to Chance, the amount of military ritual of respect has never been portrayed as convincingly beautiful before.

    Maybe you will feel more its like a depressing movie? Perhaps,but I guess you will feel more pride, than grief. Every person in the movie who was at least bit connected to Chance's journey was moved...and so was I.
    Photobucket
    A must to see.
  • moviegirl50
    April 5, 2012
    moviegirl50
    Inspired by a true story, this is a real tear jerker and had both my husband and I in tears a few times. Kevin Bacon just fits the role of this Marine Colonel to a T! He, as a soldier who was in Desert Storm and is now a paper pusher, decides he wants to do something more meaning... read moreful and asks to escort the remains of a fallen soldier, Chance Phelps, home to Wyoming for burial. What an emotional, heartbreaking and amazing thing as the fallen are brought back to the states and we see the care that is taken with each one. This touched my heart forever.

View All Taking Chance Reviews

Critic Reviews

David Cornelius
July 2, 2009
David Cornelius, DVDTalk.com

A film of overwhelming emotional power. Full Review

Jason McKiernan
May 26, 2009
Jason McKiernan, Filmcritic.com

This is a film about respect and dignity, both in death and in life. And we hope that we may be treated with the same level of careful attention. Full Review

Marshall Fine
February 17, 2009
Marshall Fine, Hollywood & Fine

It dramatizes a true story in a way that will break your heart without ever feeling manipulative or gratuitous. Full Review

Brian Holcomb
February 15, 2009
Brian Holcomb, Slant Magazine

Lazy filmmaking that fails to engage anyone who doesn't have a personal connection to the story. It's so well-meaning that it ultimately means nothing much at all. Full Review

Joshua Tyler
January 22, 2009
Joshua Tyler, CinemaBlend.com

A tedious 85 minutes of Kevin Bacon saluting. Full Review

Ray Greene
January 20, 2009
Ray Greene, Boxoffice Magazine

Does this really tell us much that isn't patently obvious to anybody with a brain and a heart? Full Review

Brian Lowry
February 23, 2012
Brian Lowry, Variety

Click to read the article Full Review

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