When American Marines are sent to retrieve the ambassador in Yemen—played by Sir Ben Kingsley—things quickly become dangerous, prompting the National Security Advisor (Bruce Greenwood) to decide that sacrificing the commander, Col. Childers (Samuel L. Jackson), is what’s needed. Because of his history as someone who operates outside established procedures, a court-martial might simply be a formality for Maj. Biggs (G…

The film had considerable potential for depth and nuance, but ultimately it was streamlined into a straightforward courtroom drama with overt displays of national pride. As someone who wasn't in the military—though I’d readily serve if my country needed me—and the child of an ex-military man, a war veteran who served extensively in Africa, I understand that combat situations operate outside conventional rules. Sur…