The father of seven children supports Independence from England, but tries to avoid fighting in the Revolutionary War. His eldest son joins the army and soon they are fighting side by side in an effort to win freedom and protect their family.

Very difficult not to compare this with Braveheart. Similar story, similar theatrics. Gibson doesn't disappoint in his performance and the supporting cast is also very good. Of special note is Jason Isaacs as a brutal British colonel.

There's a rather simple plot that does get a little caught up in itself. A couple of scenes geared to increase empathy in the characters get to be a bit long and aren't that interesting. Scenes of this kind in Braveheart worked much better, but Braveheart has several more interesting characters and better directing of those scenes.

The action sequences are nearly as good as in Braveheart. But battlefield shots lose something when depicting Revolutionary Era warfare. What's more interesting - British horseman charging into wild Scots, or lines of soldiers ten men deep shooting muskets at each other?

All in all, a worthy picture. It is very good entertainment, and you won't feel cheated leaving the theater.

Directed Roland Emmerich.