“The Messenger brings us into the inner lives of these outwardly steely heroes to reveal their fragility with compassion and dignity,” says the Loft reviewer.

I am not a movie reviewer of any sorts, and should not even make a dilettante’s attempt. But I am a combat veteran, and I do know pathos when it strikes. The Messenger strikes with a tour de force that penetrates all polite feelings in the first five minutes.

For a numbed out vet like myself, when feeling comes along I am usually heading to the hills. In this flick the hills will surround you.

Woody Harrelson and Ben Foster,(3:10 To Yuma), are so well cast for this production that you would think they were both lifer’s in the Army.

Be prepared for some heavy reality of the aftermath of war…being the reporting to the next of kin of those killed in action. Sort of a brick in your lap type of reality but one that will enlighten the un-initiated to the full spectrum of war.

The Messenger plays this week through Thursday. Check the showtimes at 795-7777.

It could be one doozy of a project for our veteran readers to attend one of the showings allowing us all to engage in an online group review.

A glass of wine at the Loft is in order for this one.