This intense war film is the first movie of 2020 Richard Roeper says he wished he could have seen on the big screen.

I have to say, I wholeheartedly agree. It entirely captures the hearts and minds of viewers, and will pull you in without remorse.

This war film about U.S. soldiers defending their outpost in Afghanistan against a Taliban offensive represents director Rod Lurie’s first film in nearly a decade.

Known for hits like The Last Castle, The Contender, and most recently, the remake of Straw Dogs. But The Outpost turns out to be his best film in nearly 20 years, and it’s a triumphant return to the screen.

The performances are first-rate, from a talented young cast that truly gives some career-best work.

Orlando Bloom leads the charge, but it’s Three Billboards co-star Caleb Landry Jones who absolutely steals this picture. He plays off Scott Eastwood — son of Clint — and Milo Gibson — son of Mel — as they all show exactly what they’re made of.

But at the end of this film, you’ll have more respect for the awe-inspiring Landry Jones than you could have thought possible.

Intelligently told and brilliantly acted, The Outpost is an absolutely essential film for 2020, when important filmmaking is, so far, in short supply.

4/5 Stars