American Son (R) (2008)

   Directed by Neil Abramson and based upon a story by Abramson and Eric Schmid, it was nominated for the 2008 Sundance Grand Jury Prize. Recognized even before its release as a significant drama about a subject on the minds of many, the War in Iraq, American Son has a lot to say about today’s young soldiers and the fears they must face.
    With only 96 hours to spend with his family and friends before shipping out to Iraq, 19-year-old Marine Mike Holland (Nick Cannon) must say good-bye to his past as he ventures into a new phase of his life. Strangely enough, though he is reconnecting at home, his thoughts constantly stray to the beautiful, young woman (Melonie Diaz) whom he met on the bus during his trip back to his family. Fear, pervades his thoughts of military duty in Iraq and of his future in general.
    Not a treatise on the politics of war, expect one young man’s personal demons about family, friends, love, growing up and going to war. Heavy!