December (1991) User Reviews

Reasonable, although probably better suited to the stage

[ollie501 · 7/10 · 5 December 2003]

Set on the night after the bombing of Pearl Harbour in 1941, this film follows the decisions of five young men faced with the prospect of going to war. An unusual film, set mainly in school dormitories, and essentially dependant solely on dialogue, one is under the impression that this is a film that may lend itself better to the stage than the screen, although the film set is remarkably impressive and is enhanced by the dim lighting associated with the period. That said, this film isn't really about war, nor is about impressive sets. It is simply the story of five students, who in the space of one night, make some heavy decisions which could have far reaching consequences on their futures. A largely likeable cast make the film enjoyable enough, although for the casual viewer, it is a very intense film, and does tend to be rather claustrophobic. Despite the lengthy dialogue, the film is well scripted and this is probably as well, as the subject matter is in retrospect somewhat simplistic, and some might say idealistic. The film has shades of Dead Poets Society scattered around, although the subject matter is quite different, and it stands it's ground well as a good Coming of Age/Period Drama. It is evident that a great deal of attention has been paid to the costume design, music and sets, to make this a convincing period film, and the sepia tones of the film print enhance this effect even more. On the whole the film is well casted, with good performances by all the cast, that said Chris Young's character is on the whole decidedly irritating, although I suspect this is entirely intentional. If you can track down a copy of this film it is well worth seeing, although for the UK audience it has not been released for general sale, and can be extremely difficult to find.

Got so much better towards the end

[White Dolphin · 3 April 2001]

"December" started off pretty well, but the acting seemed to be too soapie and fake. But somehow the second half was just so much more beautiful. By the second half you're already in the movie and know the characters, but the acting just got so much better. The best acting came from Wil Wheaton, though still not his "Stand by Me" standards, which I doubt as an adult he will be able to accomplish. Jason London (not to be confused with his twin Jeremy- known from "Party of Five") also gave one of the best performances in the film. He was quiet and knew his character. But Brian Krause (you might know him as Leo from "Charmed") was just a tad on the soap side. I found it interesting how the movie progressed. At first only Tim wants to enlist, then others for their own reasons decide as well. And I was happy with the way it ended- not to sappy, not to expected. Kind of "happy ending" but you know that tragedy or loneliness can come to these people's lives. It was interesting to see how each boy debated whether to go, the conversations, the outcomes. It was all very real and believable.

Ideas..... but terrible execution!

[WillieB26 · 1/10 · 31 October 2006]

Negative numbers are not available to convey how bad this movie is! Wooden acting coupled with a story line that has been rehashed dozens of times. Everyone in this movie should attend Overactors Anonymous. You would think an original story could evolve from the general concept. Young men at a prep school are tying to come to grips with the Pearl Harbor bombing. It does raise interesting questions, but the manner in which they are conveyed make it more of a joke. The typical characters were present including the zealous jock and nerd (glasses included). I could not have been more uninterested in the wooden dialog and cliché characters. Upon the completion of the movie, I had to throw the DVD in the trash. Stay far away from this dud! You won't get the 90 minutes of your life back!

Good for Insomniacs

[ADOZER200 · 2/10 · 4 February 2003]

If you are an insomniac and you cant get anything to get you to sleep i definitely recommend this movie. If you are renting it for whatever other reason....DONT!....this movie is by far one of the most slow moving turtle motivated movies i have ever seen. The only reason i rented it was because my brother wanted to for some odd and strange reason. I cant even write about this movie anymore...GET IT AWAY FROM ME!!!!!!!!

To Die for Ones Country. Or to Live another day

[Mgrace · 10/10 · 12 October 1998]

This movie revolves around an elite school dorm in which a group of boys live. The year is 1941 and Pearl Habour Incident had just occurred, the boys being Seniors must decide weather they should join the navy or graduate from High School. There is so much emotion in this film as friendship can break up over ideology of fighting for your country and there past. They are scared of dying and yet some are not afraid to die; but as Tim says we must face the reality of life.

Great character driven movie!

[monsterbug71 · 10/10 · 8 January 2005]

I was excited to see that this movie was recently released on DVD because I've worn out my VHS copy. IMDb user "Andrew (ADOZER200)" need's to put down the crack pipe or whatever it is that he was smokeing when he watched this film. I think it's a wonderful character study. I guess that now a days if a movie doesn't take the viewers hand and lead them step by step through a story line the viewer just looses interest. Also there's a real story here and no flashy special effects to distract people from the true art of this wonderful movie. My advise to you viewers is to NOT get this movie if your expecting the candy covered crap that Hollywood is turning out now; but if your looking for a film with substance and heart YOU MUST SEE this timeless, brilliant film. Thank you Gabe Torres, for a film that was worth the time and effort you must have put into it. I'll be waiting for your next gem. The movie industry needs it now more than ever.

Intellectual, sometimes intense, but sincere look into the hearts and minds of five young men who must choose whether or not to fight in World War II

[mweiss864 · 8 December 2013]

Picture a "Dead Poets Society" setting at the onset of World War II. Five prep school students each respond with shock and surprise the day after the Japanese bomb Pearl Harbor. Learning that they will be asked to enlist, they spend their last night together battling emotions and each other, each deciding whether or not he wants to risk his life defending and avenging his country. This is a heartfelt story that explores every possible reaction from fear to anger and how friends and situations alter feelings. Each young man has his own individual character and story; each has an opinion that he tries to impress upon his friends (and two brothers). Not only do we learn who will eventually enlist and who will not, we will also understand why they came to their decisions. I found the dramatic elements entertaining and thought provoking. The acting at times becomes slightly over-dramatic giving the feel of a soap opera based in December 1941. Wil Wheaton gives the most constant performance of the group; however, this is not his overall best role. I specifically enjoyed references to comic book hero Captain America and the anti-war novel "Johnny Get Your Gun" and their applied influences. The sets and wardrobe realistically depict the era adding to the atmosphere. The music sounds like it was duplicated from a Hallmark or Lifetime drama; it works in some scenes and feels overused in others. Fortunately, filmmakers use it sparingly. Overall, I found "December" fairly entertaining and very thought provoking. For anyone who does not understand the complexities of war and the emotions involved, start them with classics "Tora Tora Tora" and "Saving Private Ryan" then add this little film to more personalize the experience.

I Think "December" is Wil Wheaton's Best

[im_veritas_photo · 8/10 · 28 July 2007]

... acting role I have ever seen him perform. By Far. Someone said he was better in "Stand By Me". I respectfully disagree; Wil's role in "Stand By Me" was an easy walk-through compared to the acting ability required of him in this film.

In format, this is really a play, recorded on film. The play starts late in the evening of 8 December 1941, the last day this country ever declared war. It ends early the next morning. Three of the five leave on a bus, headed to enlist; the other two stay behind. I'll bet no one can guess which two, before you see it! I was born six weeks to the day before the bombing of Pearl Harbor. So these characters are half a generation ahead of me. 1941, 66 years ago; it was a totally different time in our history. It takes hard effort on the viewer's part to wrap his head around that simple, supremely important fact.

Wil plays "bad influence" Kipp Gibbs; Brian Krause plays Tim Mitchell, the star-swimmer-jock everyone admires; Balthazar Getty plays Allister Gibbs, Kipp's younger brother. Jason London and Chris Young round out the kid cast. They are all students at "Green Mountain," which is meant to be a prep school in New Hampshire, it appears. They all do a good job, but Kipp is the most difficult of the five characters to portray. I really heartily disliked Kipp at the start, but felt the strongest empathic admiration for him by the end of the movie. That takes top acting talent, and Wil Wheaton really shines at pulling it off.

It took me two viewings to sort the characters out, get them pegged in my mind. Maybe I was tired during the first viewing, but it was a bit confusing. The second viewing was much more satisfying.

A pretty good film, worth seeing. And kudos to the young actors, especially Wil Wheaton. 8 out of 10.