Men of Honor (2000)
(In French, On TV, March 2015) What a dull, dull movie. It shouldn’t have been that way, especially considering that it melds social issues with military heroics. The true story of the first black master diver in the US Navy, Men of Honor features Robert de Niro (as a crusty instructor) and Cuba Gooding Jr. (as the first black master diver), each of them doing their best but never quite giving life to the roles. Much of the script is strictly by-the-numbers, its inspiring story ill-served by familiar dialogue and dramati situations. Men of Honor is not exactly a bad movie, but it’s almost instantly forgettable the moment the end credits roll. Or even before then, if my wandering attention is any guide.