Peter Berg's latest directorial effort, the Navy SEALs drama Lone Survivor, is no better than a limp retelling that fails to get underneath the surface of the actual story.

Despite the lack of character development, watching these guys struggle to prevail was enthralling and heartbreaking all at once.

For all its flaws it is both a gripping action thriller and an unforgettable depiction of the cold realities of war. My first reaction after seeing it was a simple one: this must be how it was. It may be the highest tribute I can pay.

It doesn't even feel like us vs. them. It just feels like hell.