Jarhead 2: Field of Fire feels like a parody of sorts initially. The opening monologue has a lot of profanity, which you wouldn’t usually hear in the kind of war movies that go to the Oscars. Given that it was released directly on VOD, it is understandable that this one wouldn’t have the seriousness or technical brilliance of Jarhead (2005), which was directed by none other than Sam Mendes, or that of any other iconic war movie like Saving Private Ryan (1998).

However, as it moves forward, the movie takes itself seriously and actually makes it a point to tell a story that has merit. The tonal shift is sort of abrupt, but there is plenty of action, and the story is quite easy to grasp. With its arrival, Jarhead 2 has received a new surge in popularity, which is understandable. I wouldn’t call it a good movie, but I...