For many years now, I have felt uncomfortable about the way the west, and America in particular, bathes in its role in war.
When I was a child I had always believed that our country involved itself only in mortal combat when there was no other option.
This was the story of the second world war. We only got involved when all negotiations with Hitler has failed.
This was, of course, a completely incorrect view. The British (the English) have been warmongers all over the world for hundreds of years - poking their noses in where they shouldn't have.
The Americans, meanwhile, had been reticent about getting involved at all, not entering the fray in two world wars until late in the day.
Now it seems, having been tardy in the past, they are keen to be prompt, if not early.
Their brave boys are fighting wars in places their fellow countrymen couldn't point to on a map while nevertheless swelling their chests because the battle is all in the name of democracy and freedom.
And they really believe this.
It's not the need for defence which troubles me most, however, it is the rah-rah-rahing which goes with it, alongside the demonising of different religions and beliefs.
Act Of Valor pays homage to the US Navy Seals. So much so, directors Mike McCoy and Scott Waugh have done without actors.
Yes, the real life Armed Forces and their families star in a movie about the sort of thing they get up to for their day job. Apparently, Act Of Valor's battle scenes (easily the best feature of the film) include live rounds.
Anyway, the use of real navy seals has one major problem. None of them can act.
Thus, even when there is a scene of supposed tension, none is engendered because the cast are so wooden.
Sadly, the movie's script plays to every cliche imaginable. Thus, the bad guys are Muslims (to the point that they are seen in prayer at one point and their lives are apparently worthless).
I just hated the fact that when one Navy Seal dies it is seen as a national tragedy and yet when scores of Muslims are killed it is collateral damage.
And the horribly sickly narration just put the tin hat on it.
On top of that, the use of armed forces' language meant I struggled to understand much of what was being said.
Indeed, I had the feeling, halfway through the film, that the audience at which it was really aimed were fellow soldiers and sailors.
Of course, I know that being in the Armed Forces is a tough job and it is not the individuals but more the policies of the US and UK governments which leave me unable to enjoy a film like this.
On top of that, Act Of valor was just boring
Laughs: none
Jumps: none
Vomit: none
Nudity: none
Overall rating: 3/10