Film Review: THE LAST FULL MEASURE (2019): A Fantastic Story of War Heroes, Respect, and Redemption

The Last Full Measure Review

The Last Full Measure (2019) Film Review, a movie directed by Todd Robinson, and starring Sebastian Stan, Christopher Plummer, William Hurt, Ed Harris, Samuel L. Jackson, Jeremy Irvine, Diane Ladd, and Peter Fonda.

Sebastian Stan plays Scott Huffman, who you immediately see cares more about his career at the Pentagon than he does about these veterans who want Pitsenbarger to receive his posthumous Medal of Honor. Pitsenbarger had been honored with the Silver Star, but the request for this Medal of Honor was denied and swept under the rug for several decades. Huffman, who was eagerly trying to get a promotion during an election year, is handed the task of investigating the case when Tully (played by William Hurt), shows up for a meeting scheduled months earlier. It’s obvious to everyone that Huffman doesn’t care about the case, he’s annoyed he has to do it and it’s preventing him from focusing on what he really cares about — a promotion.

As Huffman meets each of Pitsenbarger’s Army friends and learns their stories and sees the effects that the war had on them, his emotional wall starts to crumble. He starts to care, wants to learn more and becomes completely invested in helping them. When it comes time to discuss the promotion he’s waited so long for, he decides to pass it by. The transformation of Huffman and the fact that he uses his governmental influence for good and to stick it to the man who he later finds out conspired to keep this all secret, will make you pump your fist and believe in exactly what the movie says, “One person can make a difference.”

Of course, they are talking about the incredible bravery by Pitsenbarger, but when you break the movie down, it can be directed toward any one, like Tully who never gave up on getting the medal. Or Takoda, played by Samuel L. Jackson, who didn’t want to be on the record with what happened in Vietnam, but after realizing that he had to do this for Pitsenbarger, gave Huffman the information he desperately needed. There’s Burr, played by Peter Fonda, and Mott, played by Ed Harris, who shared the effects of Pitsenbarger’s bravery and the war with Huffman, even after reluctantly thinking he cared about them.

The movie jumps back and forth from Vietnam to modern day, so you can see the stories that the soldiers share. You will feel the change in Huffman’s character and you’ll cry with the soldiers. This is an incredible cast of actors, including Christopher Plummer and Diane Ladd who play Pitsenbarger’s parents.

The only criticism I have about this movie is the ending. Of course, it wouldn’t be the movie it is without Pitsenbarger receiving a posthumous Medal of Honor at an emotional ceremony, but one thing was lacking. Justice. At one point, Carlton Stanton, played by Bradley Whitford, threatens Huffman to try and prevent him from going to the press. Later, after Huffman stands up for what is right, Stanton is seen at the ribbon ceremony and is the first one to clap for the veterans. Why didn’t Huffman pursue any kind of retribution against Stanton? Stanton seemed to get away with this deplorable behavior and it left me angry.

Beyond that, this film is a well-told, true-story of fighting for the respect of our veterans and a must-see for anyone who loves watching movies about doing what’s right.

Rating: 10/10

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