The best part about Men of Honor isn't even in the actual movie. It is the interview with the REAL man that Cuba Gooding, Jr. plays in the film. It is on the DVD, and shows some actual footage of him at work and in training. Not only is he the first African American Navy diver, but he is also an amputee, who lost half his leg in an accident on board a ship. He lost it while saving the lives of two others.

Men of Honor is about the Navy diving program in the 50's. Robert DeNiro is the dive instructor who had an accident which prevent him from going to any depths underwater, or else his lungs will literally burst. He is bitter about this, and gives his trainees are rough time, which isn't necessarily that bad. Cuba Gooding, Jr. stars as the diver who wishes to join the program, but must face great obstacles, primarily prejudice, in order to do so.

This movie suffers from being too much of a drama with not enough action. The story is good, and Gooding's character is well worthy of respect, but Men of Honor fumbles just a little too much. The film runs over 2 hours long and there is less than 8-10 minutes of actual diving on screen. In short, this is a movie about Navy divers that doesn't have too much diving. What gives?

DeNiro is awesome, as always, and Gooding gives one of his best performances to date. This movie was profitable in the theatres, so they were able to spend some money on beefing up the DVD, which is full of extras.

If you are into war movies, you will want to check this one out simply because it is about a real person and is all about heroism, rather than cowardice. It is rated R, but only for language, which is a shame because this movie could have made more money had it been rated PG 13 with less language.

Recommended:
Yes

Suitability For Children: Suitable for Children Age 13 and Older