Review: ‘The Inspection Passes Muster As Stellar Drama

Ellis French (standout Jeremy Pope) is a homeless gay youth with a drug history. When he knocks on the door of the jailer's mother (an unknown Gabrielle Union, also a producer), she pretends to steal the door. - Are you in danger? she asks and lights a cigarette. No doubt afraid of making a mistake, he placed a newspaper on it to sit on. You know, the history between the two is huge. Ellis, 25, said he joined the Marines as a sign he knew he had to at least change his life. He could never accept that his son was gay and hated the prospect of being in the Navy.

Known as "French" by her teachers and other recruits, French initially gets along quite well on Parris Island, South Carolina, although her mother is forced to pretend to be her "daughter" when leaving voicemails. But an incident in the shower that he can't control exposes him as gay, and he's expelled and forced to stay in his apartment. Team leader Harvey (McCaul Lombardi, "American Honey") hates French and insults him with homophobic slurs. In a poignant scene, the Frenchman is mistreated by his peers.

The Frenchman opted to serve the penalty to avoid sending off. Ironically, Los (Bokim Woodbine channeling his inner Louis Gossett Jr.) is the toughest and best puncher, who doesn't seem too bothered when he learns French gay. The law treats all recruits as if it were their job to keep them out of the Marine Corps.

Along with an equally stellar cast and a little Frenchness of pop, the things you'll see in "Inspection" include the film's impressive sound design and music by experimental pop group Animal Collective. . We hear drums and horns; The voice fades and fades away.

"Visit" gives us some "Full Metal Jacket" moments, as Rumor turns the newbies into naked twins. One of the recruits is a Muslim named Ismail (Iman Esfandi). He hangs out with other French misfits until he finds out that French is gay. Another drill, by Rosales (another standout Raul Castillo), goes to the Frenchman, which the Frenchman applauds but misinterprets. On movie night, Laws watches a recruit favorite, the 2005 Gulf War drama Jarhead. The law walks a fine line because of the war-drawn faces of the French. Woodbine mentioned above Gossett, Clint Eastwood and R. Lee takes the opportunity to best Irmi and is delighted to see.

"Inspection" doesn't give easy answers about the characters. French invites his mother on vacation. But things don't go as planned. I'm sure it won't end with a hug. Bratton is currently working on Hellfighters, a drama about a World War I military unit known as the Harlem Hellfighters, starring John Baptist European soldier and jazz pioneer James Rees. After watching "Inspection" I can't wait to see this next act. But for now I only recommend The Inspection and hope to see Pope, Union, Woodbine and Castillo on this year's chart.

What is "verification"? • 3.5 out of four stars • Duration : 1:35 • Rated R for strong language, sexual content, some nudity and violence