Act Of Valor (the movie)

I finally saw Act of Valor: the film about Navy SEALs.
I was disappointed.
It had some intense action sequences and spurred deep thoughts and insights but nevertheless it still wasn't that great.

I will tell you exactly what was wrong with it.

It did not show the building or growth of any relationships. If you pay close attention to the relationships/friendships in the greatest and most popular films ever made, you will notice one thing. Throughout the story a relationship is BUILT. It shows constant growth.
Now don't get too upset. You are probably thinking that I'm am dead wrong.
I'm not.
I did see relationships and companionship in the film, but it only showed existing and the results of an already strong relationship. A movie's goal is to draw the viewer into the story. In effect, by only showing the current strength of the SEALs' bond to one another and to their families, it left the viewer out.
Don't leave the viewer out of a story. It makes the story boring.
(I actually had a hard time paying attention)

When Chief jumped on the grenade I could see the strength of the bond Chief had to his men. (It was actually very inspiring) However, it only showed the results of a fully developed relationship.

What would have made the story interesting would have been to see how the SEAL team came together and bonded through hardship. Someone needs to sit the writer down and make him watch The Band of Brothers mini-series and The Pacific. Those two are the best war films I have ever seen. They had great effects, great action sequences, unbelievable cinematics, deep dynamic characters, damn good dialogue, the inside view to the development of the relationships between the main characters, and an overall great story line. If only every movie was like those two mini-series'!

Overall the effects, cinematics, and action were well done. Its too bad the writer missed the basic element in every good story; the growth of a relationship.