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I recently revisited Heartbreak Ridge (1986) on Tubi. The plot revolves around an aging military officer seeking one final assignment before concluding his career. Tasked with training a group of misfit cadets in a last-ditch effort to reform them, he faces challenges as they resist orders, but he ultimately molds them into a disciplined unit. When they are sent to Korea, their survival hinges on applying the lessons learned.

Directed by and starring Clint Eastwood (Gran Torino), the film also features Marsha Mason (Nick of Time), Everett McGill (Twin Peaks), Moses Gunn (Shaft), Bo Svenson (Kill Bill), and Mario Van Peebles (Baadasssss!).

This film serves as the serious counterpart to Major Payne. Clint Eastwood delivers an outstanding performance with the perfect demeanor, one-liners, and mannerisms, showcasing his comedic prowess and authenticity. The hard demeanor and quick comebacks are tailor-made for Eastwood, establishing the characters brilliantly. Mario Van Peebles delivers a fantastic supporting character that easy to root for and against. The training scenes and fights are a lot of fun. While the war scenes may feel at times unrealistic and excessive, they add a fun dynamic to the storyline, leading to a worthwhile conclusion.

In conclusion, Heartbreak Ridge offers a compelling blend of character development, coming-of-age elements, and brilliant comedy. I'd give it a 7/10 and recommend watching it at least once.