Cast overview, first billed only: | |||
Max Martini | ... | Will 'Ghost' Gardner | |
Omari Hardwick | ... | Samuel 'Top' Gallegos | |
Lily Rabe | ... | Mary-Anne Mackey | |
Robert Patrick | ... | Tony | |
Elisabeth Röhm | ... | Kimmy | |
Dermot Mulroney | ... | Buddy | |
Gary Sinise | ... | Larry | |
JoBeth Williams | ... | Sherry | |
Luis Bordonada | ... | Charlie Burroughs | |
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Leo Martini | ... | Will Gardner Jr. |
Holt McCallany | ... | Officer Callahan | |
Georgina Lightning | ... | Emily Saunders | |
Martin Palmer | ... | Homeless Veteran | |
Christopher Hagen | ... | Gas Station Manager | |
Jay DeMarcus | ... | Top Gunner |
Will Gardner tells the story about Iraq War veteran Will Gardner (Max Martini) who is suffering from a traumatic brain injury (TBI) he sustained during a bombing that he and his platoon suffered while in combat. His injuries make it difficult for him to reintegrate into society so after a series of setbacks, he goes on a spirited motorcycle journey across America to pick up pieces of his life lost since combat. Martini (13 Hours, Captain Phillips) also penned the script and directs the film.
My wife and I watched this at home on DVD from our public library. The filmmakers have strong views about how difficult it is for many war veterans returning home to civilian life. Many are homeless and have to beg for survival and not enough is being done on their behalf.
Max Martini is very good as Will Gardner, a fictional character scarred by his action in Iraq. In California he is working as a painter but having difficulty with his boss. He shucks it all and on a "borrowed" motorcycle takes a cross-country trip, stopping here and there for family or friend interactions, ultimately ending up at Arlington cemetery.
The movie tells a worthwhile story, to help bring attention to the plight of many veterans. It loses some of its impact by editing which makes it very slow in many sections, some scenes seem to be prolonged beyond what is reasonable. Still we found it a worthwhile viewing.