There are a few different movies competing for attention within The Last Full Measure. One is a traditional Vietnam War tale. Another is a political drama about the gridlock in Washington that can politicize even the most basic of acts. Yet another is a portrait of grief. They all bounce off each other here, dulling each’s effectiveness. Now, the final product overall is just moving enough and just well enough made to warrant a recommendation, but it’s clear that this began with far grander ambitions. In fact, it’s not hard to see that this perhaps was even thought of as a potential awards vehicle once upon a time. Instead, it’s just a decently solid drama, with a good lead turn by Sebastian Stan, that hints at something more. The film is based on a true story and details the quest to reward Air Force medic and Vietnam War hero William H. Pitsenbarger (Jeremy Irvine), with the Medal of Honor, as well as the controversy it stirred up. Pitsenbarger was a U.S. Air Force Pararescuemen who saved over sixty men before being killed. Given a lesser medal, his fellow soldier Tulley (William Hurt), as well as his parents (Diane Ladd and Christopher Plummer) campaign for an upgrade. Three decades later, the latest request reaches Pentagon staffer Scott Huffman (Stan), an ambitious up and comer who couldn’t be less interested. To him, the facts are simple. Pitsenbarger acted heroically, turning down an offer to escape on the last helicopter out of a combat zone. Instead, he stayed behind in order to help the Army’s 1st Infantry Division during Vietnam’s most devastating battle. It cost him his life. However, the required paperwork and new information isn’t available, so it’s not going to happen. Then, Scott begins to dig a little bit deeper. He seeks out and takes down the testimony of several Army veterans who witnessed Pitsenbarger’s extraordinary display of combat valor. They include Burr (Peter Fonda), Mott (Ed Harris), and Takoda (Samuel L. Jackson), each of whom fills in some blanks. However, as he learns more about Pitsenbarger and becomes convinced of his worthiness, he uncovers a fairly large conspiracy behind the denial of the medal. Spurred by the sacrifice, he opts to risk his career in order to get the man justice. Todd Robinson writes and directs, with cinematography by Byron Werner, while Phillip Klein composed the score. The rest of the [...]