'12 Strong' A Thrilling, Honorable Film (Exclusive)

*** This review of '12 Strong' is something I worked on for the Examiner in January 2018 ***

The attacks on September 11, 2001 will always be remembered as the most tragic day in United States history. Over the years, people have read stories about that day and seen a few of them on the television and the big screen. Now, film audiences can catch the harrowing story of the first Special Forces team deployed to Afghanistan after 9/11.

In the Warner Brothers presentation of "12 Strong," Captain Mitch Nelson leads a US Special Forces team into Afghanistan for a very dangerous mission. Once there, the soldiers begin to develop an uneasy partnership with the Northern Alliance to take down the Taliban.

Now outnumbered, Nelson and his forces face overwhelming odds in a fight against a ruthless enemy.

"12 Strong" is the exhilarating and incredible true story of the first US forces in Afghanistan after the 9/11 attacks. Filled with very thrilling moments and lots of action, this military drama is an absolute can't miss! The performances from all of the actors are really great and helped build the tension and emotion to the film.

So, make sure to catch this incredibly remarkable film. This tense, emotion feature film is highly recommended and should definitely be seen!

Some of the talented cast includes: Chris Hemsworth (Thor: Ragnarok) as Captain Mitch Nelson, Michael Shannon (The Shape of Water) as Hal Spencer, Michael Pena (CHIPS; The Little Pony: The Movie) as Sam Diller, Navid Negahban (American Assassin) as General Dostrum, Trevante Rhodes (Moonlight) as Ben Milo, Geoff Stults (Only the Brave) as Sean Coffers, Thad Luckinbill (Only the Brave) as Vern Michaels, Austin Stowell (Battle of the Sexes) as Fred Falls, Rob Riggle (How to Be a Latin Lover) as Lt. Colonel Bowers, William Fichtner (TV's Mom; Independence Day: Resurgence) as Col. Mulholland, among others. "12 Strong" is directed by Nicolai Fuglsig, making his directorial debut.

Mega film/TV producer Jerry Bruckheimer had been trying to get this film produced for almost a good decade. "12 Strong" is also based on Doug Stanton's non-fiction book "Horse Soldiers." Actor Rob Riggle, who portrays Colonel Max Bowers in the film, actually served under him while he was in the service.

"12 Strong" is rated R for war violence and language throughout and has a running time of 130 minutes.