‘NCIS’ Fans Will Love This Military Thriller Directed by ‘Die Hard’ Filmmaker

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The triumph on television that dwarfs all others is undeniably the NCIS franchise. This successful series was brainchild of Donald Paul Bellisario, a veteran U.S. Marine Corps sergeant who had previously tasted success with the original Magnum P.I., starring Tom Selleck. The initial show in this franchise was JAG, followed by NCIS. Since then, the family has grown to include five spin-offs: NCIS: Los Angeles, NCIS: New Orleans, NCIS: Hawaiʻi, NCIS: Sydney, and NCIS: Origins.

In every episode of the NCIS series, a consistent narrative structure is maintained. The primary investigative unit, known as the Major Case Response Team (MCRT), within the Naval Criminal Investigative Service of the U.S. Department of the Navy, handles crimes involving or related to the United States Navy, Marine Corps (USMC), and their affiliated government agencies. With over 1000 episodes spanning all shows, enthusiasts of military procedurals have a wealth of tales to explore. However, fans of military thrillers might also appreciate “Basic,” a film directed by John McTiernan, known for his work on Die Hard.

Samuel L. Jackson Is a Mean Drill Sergeant and John Travolta Is Investigating Ethical Violations in ‘Basic’

In this new movie, Samuel L. Jackson joins forces with John Travolta once more, but their relationship is far from friendly as it was in “Pulp Fiction”. The story begins with the character Nathan West, portrayed by Jackson, playing a harsh Drill Instructor in the dense jungles of Panama. He’s a chilling figure, demanding unwavering loyalty and instilling fear among the trainees who are about to become army rangers. Over time, these soldiers who initially admired military life have started losing their enthusiasm for the concept of fighting for their country.

In a manner reminiscent of a harsh drill sergeant from a military film, he warns the novice adults that “the less committed among you will drop out, and those persisting despite quitting will suffer a training mishap.” Subsequently, several fatality cases are reported, leading to Military Police investigator Captain Julia Osborne (played by Connie Nielsen) being sent to the scene. However, the trainees remain uncooperative, so DEA agent Tom Hardy (John Travolta), a former Army Ranger, is summoned.

As a passionate film buff, I find myself embroiled in an intriguing predicament: despite Hardy’s persistent demand, Osborne remains our partner in this investigation. However, the truth remains elusive as conflicting narratives cloud our path. Undeterred, we persevere in our quest for the truth, and it isn’t long before we stumble upon a vast conspiracy. Now, the question arises: how will we navigate this complex web of deceit? And does Hardy possess the clout to bring the wrongdoers to justice? Given the hint of a drug-trafficking ring lurking within the narrative, I can’t help but feel he might just pull off something spectacular.

The movie came about following a significant auction where Phoenix Pictures secured James Vanderbilt’s script from other production companies. Known for his earlier work on the horror film “Darkness Falls” at the turn of the millennium, there was high anticipation that his new project would prosper. Originally, Lee Tamahori (of Die Another Day fame) was chosen as director, but he had to withdraw due to other obligations. Similarly, Benicio del Toro and Catherine Keener were intended for the main roles, but they also found it impossible to accommodate the military thriller within their schedules.

‘Basic’ Unfolds Like an ‘NCIS’ Episode

In this reimagining, characters from MCRT (instead of John Travolta and Connie Nielsen) star in an episode that bears a strong resemblance to NCIS. Similar to the CBS series and its offshoots, the film directed by John McTiernan heavily emphasizes interrogation to drive the plot. The storyline is supported by the testimonies of witnesses and survivors, with their statements offering shocking or misleading details based on their personal ethics and motivations.

Since the start of his filmmaking career, John McTiernan has been known for blending artistic flair, cunning, and spectacle in a daring fashion. This signature style is consistently evident when the MCRT investigators are on screen. The movie’s tempo is deliberately paced, and dialogue frequently takes precedence over action, much like what one might expect on television. Furthermore, cinematographer Steve Mason skillfully captures the visually stunning moments with a touch of elegance and flair.

In a similar vein to multiple NCIS series, the main characters exhibit distinctive behaviors, with Osborne showing compassion and adhering to ethical boundaries, while Hardy takes action regardless of the circumstances. This tried-and-true formula has been employed by numerous successful procedurals, and it proves effective in this case. Persistently pursuing the truth, Hardy is richly compensated for his efforts.

In 2025, Basic continues to captivate audiences, provoking thoughts about how military training has evolved. Most importantly, this film tackles several pertinent issues, a hallmark of the CBS franchise. It challenges traditional notions of masculinity and valor, and delves into sensitive topics such as homophobia within the military. The storyline revolves around the gay son of a Joint Chiefs of Staff general who may have been targeted due to his sexuality, and a possible manipulation by Sgt. West to turn sentiment against him.

Furthermore, it’s implied that America shares some responsibility for the antagonists in its narratives. Previously trained individuals, who didn’t advance under West’s guidance, have been exposed as significant criminals. Their skills, acquired from him, have contributed to their criminal activities.

All in all, “Basic” and “NCIS” series offer captivating viewing experiences, as they may appear complex but are surprisingly easy to comprehend. Although they have numerous plot twists, the final moments provide a satisfying resolution. These shows strike a perfect balance for both military enthusiasts and casual viewers alike. They continue to emphasize acts of courage and selflessness, demonstrating that even in dire situations, human nature tends to rise above its darkest impulses, reminding us all.

‘Basic’ Also Draws Inspiration From a Few Other Hollywood Films

In addition to NCIS, enthusiasts of military dramas might recognize some influences from other significant films in Basic. Rob Reiner’s A Few Good Men serves as one such influence. In this movie, the character Lt. Daniel Kaffee, played by Tom Cruise, attempts to make Col. Jessep (Jack Nicholson) accountable for a marine’s death at the Guantánamo Bay Naval Base in Cuba. Col. Jessep shares similar arrogance and lack of remorse with Samuel L. Jackson’s Sgt. West from Full Metal Jacket, but ultimately faces consequences for his actions. Notably, Sgt. West bears a resemblance to Stanley Kubrick’s Sgt. Hartman in terms of both characters’ penchant for berating trainees, much like Lee R Emery portrayed in Full Metal Jacket.

Delving deeper into the characters, I find striking parallels between Travolta’s role and that of Lieutenant Colonel Nathaniel Serling (Denzel Washington) in “Courage Under Fire.” Just like him, I found myself tasked with a challenging assignment – determining posthumously whether a fallen military captain, a woman, deserved the Medal of Honor.

As I delved into the testimonies from her crew members, I began to notice some inconsistencies that didn’t quite add up. These discrepancies piqued my curiosity, leading me towards uncovering what seemed to be a hidden conspiracy.

As a devoted cinephile, I must confess that “Basic” stands as a significant contribution to its genre, even though it’s far from flawless. If the genius of directors like Steven Spielberg, Oliver Stone, or Clint Eastwood had been at the helm, this film could have soared to unparalleled heights in the realm of grand studio cinema, possibly sweeping multiple Academy Awards. However, if you approach it without the discerning eye of an award show judge, it more than delivers.

The movie is brimming with unexpected twists and boasts several unforgettable scenes that are uniquely crafted by this particular filmmaker. It’s a testament to their creative prowess.

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2025-02-09 21:34