Ellis French is a young, gay Black man, rejected by his mother and with few options for his future, decides to join the Marines, doing whatever it takes to succeed in a system that would cast him aside. But even as he battles deep-seated prejudice and the grueling routines of basic training, he finds unexpected camaraderie, strength, and support in this new community, giving him a hard-earned sense of belonging that will shape his identity and forever change his life of it.

Beautiful, filled with layers, reflecting the best and worst of military patriarchy, in a light way, while disciplining and welcoming, hurting and revolting... And the church, portrayed in the character of the mother, who tries to cure and exclude the son, as well as some religions... A beautiful, delicate and reflective biography... About second chances and choices we make during our life...

"French" (Jeremy Pope) is an itinerant gay man who, estranged from his prison office mother "Inez" (Gabrielle Union), has concluded that the only way to stop himself becoming subsumed into an underworld of drugs, disease and most likely death, is to join the US Marines. Having failed at just about everything else, his mother is somewhat sceptical, but to bootcamp he goes where he encounters the stereotypically brutish gunnery sergeant-major "Laws" (Bokeem Woodbine). It's all based on a true story directed and adapted from his own story by Elegance Bratton, so jeopardy here there isn't. That said, Pope and Woodbine are both on good form as the former runs the gamut of a tough training regime coupled with a prejudice against his sexuality that proves distinctly dangerous. His trainer offers him nothing by way of support or sympathy, intent on instilling the most primitive of "survival of the fittest" mentalities amongst all of his recruits. It is a little procedural, but it's still an interesting tale from a man who resisted the temptations to jack it all in - and sends a clear message of perseverance and determination that does resonate to a certain, predictable, extent. Essentially, though, it's a television movie that doesn't really need a cinema screening and though watchable and important, it isn't a story that will linger in the memory for long afterwards, I'm afraid.

As the movie states it was "inspired" by a true story, meaning the characters use fictional names and many of the exact situations and dialog were invented, but as the filmmaker says, everything is accurately autobiographical to the substance of the story.

The main character is Jeremy Pope, a gay black actor, as Ellis French, a gay black man in New Jersey. The story starts in 2005 and the first 12 minutes of the movie shows us his life. He had been on his own since he was 16 and now, at 25 was homeless, spending nights in shelters, and riding the train by skipping over the gates. He looked around. Most of the other men were older and he decided he wanted to make a life for himself.

He and his mother, who had him at 16, were estranged, she did not approve of his being gay. As if she though he could control it and maybe he could decide to be straight. There is a short scene where he goes to her to get his birth certificate, he has decided to join the Marines.

The rest of the movie is during boot camp, the difficult time French had, not so much with the training, more with the anti-gay sentiment he was confronted with.

This is not an easy movie to watch at times but it overall is an excellent story of coming-of-age and setting himself up for a better life. And of course in real life he has become a writer and the director of this movie.

At home on DVD from my public library, the DVD "making of" extra is worthwhile.

Curious that this is written and directed by the man who this is about. It's also curious that it starts off by telling us that it is "inspired by actual events" indicating that some of this is fiction coming from the person it is about. One would think it would all be factual given its creator, but perhaps there were legalities involved. Beyond that cautious curiosity, this is a straight forward well made movie. Nothing fancy or too intricate, but a tale well told of a homeless young gay man, rejected by his homophobic mother, who is smart enough to know he has to do something with his life in his world of limited opportunities, so he joins the Marines. Most of the the rest of the entire film takes place in boot camp. Other than how he is exposed as being gay, much of the rest is believable and Jeremy Pope in the lead gives a strong performance. Raul Castillo, in a fascinatingly written role (but is it true?!) is also excellent and Bokeem Woodbine is as unpleasant as he is supposed to be. The ending is a bit abrupt, but its simplicity works. Feels more like something made for the small screen rather the big one, but it is a solid film, fact or fiction.

Kicked out of home at age 16 by his single mother, likely because she found out he was gay, a black man eventually decided to turn his life around by joining the Marines, during the time of the Afghanistan War. This is mostly a docudrama about his time in boot camp. While he answered "no" to the question of "Are you a homosexual", shouted at all recruits early on (plus others like "Have you smoked marijuana, etc.), presumably his physical reaction to being in a shared-shower situation gave away his secret. In his continuing journey, he has both detractors and allies.

Given that this film is heavily biographical, despite the usual disclaimers, I wonder how the director will fare in a narrative that does not come from his own experiences.

7.3 stars.

I enjoyed the experience of watching "The Inspection", it's sort of a "G. I. Jane" Vibe but for a gay man in the Marines instead of a woman in the special forces. There are many similarities, the gay man gets pummeled over and over, his sergeant is brutal, there is a very powerful scene where the unthinkable happens, it should have changed the lives of all involved forever, maybe it did, but I won't spoil it. This is a good film for various reasons, it is very good at making you feel sorry for the man. It does not paint a very happy picture of men in the US military who don't like gays. And I suppose some of them might actually be like this movie portrays, I don't know. Whatever the lesson learned I can say the movie is entertaining and the acting is really good.

Ellis French (Jeremy Pope) lives in a homeless shelter. His mother Inez French (Gabrielle Union) rejects him. He intends to join the Marines. He's also gay.

Right off the bat, the Inspired by True Events annoyed me. It's a small indie biography of a non-famous guy. I don't know why it has to be inspired by his story. Just do his story. It's a small indie anyways. It doesn't need the emotional over-dramatization. I would think that coming out to his fellow Marines would be compelling enough in real life. It may be a small thing, but the movie takes a wrong step so early on. Otherwise, it's fine. It has the opportunity for something great, but it's a bit of a grind.

This movie should have received more nominations and awards for what it is, and considering some Oscar nominations, its a bit pitty. It tells the story of a homeless queer person who is sleeping in a shelter with the intention of joining the United States Marine Corps, the difficulties he faces, and the true-life narrative of the film's director.

Not only is the acting outstanding, but the story arc is also quite original, and the direction is outstanding. Exceptional cinematography can be found in it. In spite of the fact that it could have gone much further, it comes to a satisfactory conclusion.

There are some movies which take their own time in developing into something worthwhile and one has a choice of leaving it midway or keep hoping for the best. This is one such movie in this category which starts off showing a young black man (Ellis French) played by Jeremy Pope whose relationship with mom is strained to the point that she doesn't allow him to enter her home. (The reason is that he is gay and mom doesn't accept him that way.) He wants his birth certificate so he can join as a Marine and make his mom proud. So far so good. He gets into the marine training and we are exposed to extended scenes of the tough exercises schedule and life in barracks which we have seen many times in umpteen movies. (The tough drill Sergeant says that he doesn't care whether a person is straight or gay, black or white, his job is to turn him into a marine whom he calls "monsters" ) Such scenes carry on not just for 20 minutes or 40 minutes but for full 60 minutes. It is really a tough watch as the the storyline freezes and doesn't move forward. Finally after 60 minutes into the movie, there is a scene where he calls mom over for his graduation day and after some emotionally charged scenes between Ellis and his mom, the movie ends in a tame manner.

Director Elegance Bratton has put in a heavy overdose of marine training scenes in the first one hour which becomes monotonous, boring and off putting. The other scenes are too cliche ridden to make an impact. The story could have been made an emotional one for better acceptance by the average audience. No doubt Jeremy Pope has acted well and brings out his confused state effectively but other than this the movie drags and bores.

The understated nature of this film is, overall, an asset, though at the same time, it undermines the clarity and impact of the overall story. Still, this is a clear eyed look at the trauma that a parent's disapproval can wreak, and the courage and determination of the protagonist to find an accepting "family" is both admirable and inspirational. Very fine, believable performances from all the cast, and the script never strikes any false or sentimentally objectionable notes. The crisp, ninety or so minute length is also a wise decision, the story doesn't need any more than that to be told convincingly. Good (if not brilliant) job!

A movie where the director is telling a story that really (for the most part) happened to them. I learned that from the end credits.

Great movie though. Ending was slightly confusing but I loved it. Very few dull moments. I just feel like I would've liked more background story, maybe more character development between each other would be more connecting. But it is a true story so I guess I can't really dislike it too much. It's a sad story that deals with people and their thoughts on certain subjects such as homosexuality.

One amazing thing was the cinematography. The shots (especially the ones at night/afternoon) were gorgeous. Another thing was the acting, it was on point.

I might come back to this movie in the future. I just think it's so cool that the director actually made a movie about his true experience. 7/10.

I heard Elegance Bratton's interview on NPR and it was very good. I was intrigued by his story and saw the movie two weeks later. What I thought was a slow start turned into a series of bad acting, no character development, and awful scenes reminiscent of low-budget porn storylines. The homosexual stereotypes were over the top and were shameful and a disservice to all whom serve in the military.

This movie was such a disappointment and did not do his life story justice (and yes, I realize he was both the writer and director). Elegance has a compelling story to share, but this movie completely missed its mark.

I saw it as a pure American story. Not about dreams but about realities, change of life, social/ cultural obstacles, forms of segregation, manner to succed, difference and its assumation , new beginning and the turn of life moment.

And, sure, about family relation, prejudices, radical gestures and their consequences.

It is more than a film inspired by real facts.

It is more than a portrait of life in US NMarine.

It represents, first, a kick to reflection to the viewer, a sort of honest confession about tough decisions and the sketches of survive as way to remain yourself.

So, not a memorable film but one beautiful crafted.

This is not Moonlight. It's not Full Metal Jacket or Jarhead neither. It's simply a great movie about character. If someone wants to believe in something greater then themselves then let them. I have to say that I expected more at the end but that's how I am when a film is great. Please watch with an open mind. If you are feeling that this has reminders from other movies then that's your opinion. I know the struggles of basic training. I watched this and I felt the characters in this movie. I'm glad they gave us at the end exactly how the movie should have ended. Great debut from this director. Again please watch with an open heart and mind.

The Inspection starts off well. Interesting characters are introduced, the scene is set, and there's some intrigue added to the mix. However, as the film progresses it starts to turn into an identity politics melodrama. It visuals seem to ape Full Metal Jacket, but the story is more reminiscent of Twilight. It meanders and plods along, lulling the viewers mind to other places.

Character wise, there is little grey area between the 'good guys' and the 'bad guys'. The bads are all racist homophobes, and the main recruits are all powerful and brave. This creates a film that feels bland and uninteresting because all the characters come off as cliched.

As eluded to, I think if you're in the mood for a bootcamp military story, just watch the first half of Full Metal Jacket. Or if you really, really, really love army movies, you might find something in The Inspection.

Though the movie focus on a man whose gay and his experience going through the Marines Boot Camp, the movie actually examines a diverse group of young men going through the Marine Corps training. Of all the types you'll find your type that you can relate to.

I feel the movie makes you guess a little too much about the main character French's background. Most likely done on purpose as the purpose of the Marines is to have no background when you put on that uniform. Slowly along with the character we discover what type of man he can be without putting any further labels on him.

Find it ironic that the inspection actually was positive propaganda for the U. S Marine corps, casue what I saw a coming-of-age story that molded the story teller greatly.

It was a small picture which triggered great emotion.

While the story could be seen as inspiring, I thought that the cinematography was amateurish, and there were virtually no sets. It seemed to take place in imagination land.

The worst part is that the details of Marine Corps Uniforms and life were completely absent. First the Eagle Glove and Anchor were not correct, nor were the ribbons and decorations on either the Senior Drill instructor, nor the Junior Drill Instructors in Class C uniform. Not even close to being accurate. Lastly, the scenes at the rifle range were completely fabricated. No USMC rifle shooting facility looks remotely that horrid.

The director is allegedly a Marine Veteran. He should know better.

"The Inspection" (2022), is a drama starring Jeremy Pope as Ellis French, a young gay black man who joins the Marines to escape his abusive mother (Gabrielle Union) and find his place in the world.

This movie was a powerful and emotional experience. Pope gives an incredible performance as Ellis, who struggles to survive the harsh and homophobic environment of boot camp, while also dealing with his unresolved trauma and longing for his mother's love. He is supported by a great cast, especially Raúl Castillo as Rosales, his sympathetic drill instructor, and Bokeem Woodbine as Laws, his ruthless and bigoted superior.

The film is based on the true story of writer-director Elegance Bratton, who was homeless for a decade after being kicked out by his mother for being gay. He joined the Marines and eventually became a filmmaker, telling his story with honesty and courage. The film does not shy away from showing the brutality and discrimination that Ellis faces but also shows his resilience and strength in overcoming them.

The film also explores the themes of identity, family, and belonging, as Ellis tries to reconcile his sexuality, race, and patriotism in a society that rejects him. He finds some solace in his friendship with Castro (Aaron Dominguez), another gay recruit, and in his faith in God. He also confronts his mother in a heartbreaking scene that reveals their complex and painful relationship.

The film has received critical acclaim and several awards nominations, including a Golden Globe nod for Pope. He deserves it, as he carries the film with his charisma and vulnerability. He makes us care for Ellis and barracking for him to succeed.

"The Inspection" is a moving and inspiring story that will make you think and feel. If you haven't seen it yet, I highly recommend it.

First of all, let me just say that there a=were no surprises here. Y+This movie had just about every cliche in the book. So totally unoriginal. So why did it have to get made? I can see it would be relevant about 10 or 15 years ago. But why now? And who cares if it was inspired by trump events? Not this guy.

But the main issue I have with the movie is the overdone boot camp footage. Just how many times do we have to witness that? It gets real tired, real fast. We get it! Recruits get yelled at constantly. Over and over and over. They're torn down so they can build themselves back up. It's painful to watch.

So if you want to waste an hour and a half of your life, have at it. Naturally, Rotten Tomatoes gave it an 88%. Yikes, I should have known it would be terrible.

MovieJunkieMark.

Finding one's family may not always occur where one most likely expects it. For many of us, that typically comes with our blood relations. But sometimes circumstances arise that prevent that from happening, as is the case for a twentysomething gay Black man (Jeremy Pope) who has been on his own since age 16 when his close-minded single mother (Gabrielle Union) forced him out onto the streets to fend for himself. And, after years of bouncing around aimlessly, he decides to try getting his act together by joining the Marines, a seemingly unlikely choice but one that unwittingly helps him find what he's been looking for all along. Writer-director Elegance Bratton's fact-based debut narrative feature tells a compelling story of acceptance among those from whom it might least be expected and its absence where one would think it should most likely be present. The film's superb Independent Spirit Award-nominated performances by Pope and Union, along with fine supporting portrayals turned in by other members of the excellent ensemble cast (most notably Bokeem Woodbine and Raúl Castillo), truly give this picture its razor-sharp edge and its touching moments of heartfelt compassion, an unusual mix of elements on the same story, to be sure. In several regards, "The Inspection" also echoes groundbreaking themes first addressed in "Moonlight" (2016), though with slightly different but nevertheless equal significance. Admittedly, the production could probably benefit from a little more back story development and slightly brisker pacing in the first half-hour, but those are truly minor shortcomings in the greater scheme of things where this film is concerned. If this ISA candidate for best first feature is any indication of what we can expect in future works from this filmmaker, I can't wait to see what else he comes up with.

Lack of sexuality, passion, character development. It's just a series of situations... not a story. Sad. No nudity. No kissing. Nothing homosexual related. This is not what the gay audience want. Acting is mediocre. Sub-plots fail to be explored further. It's like it's cut in half. Uninspiring. Disappointing. No gay scenes what so ever - even the "promising ones" fall short. Do not watch if you're looking for a closet gay story or gay romance in the military. Characters are overly homophobic, yes, but no realistic at all. A film about sexuality needs to explore sexuality - sex, emotions, fear and all! Shame.

As somebody who spent 25 years in uniform it's always amazing to me when people who lie to get into the military or celebrated. To review, this gentleman and everyone who entered the military before Bill Clinton was president lied and said they were not gay in order to get a security clearance. They lied to get To get a security clearance. I don't know how much clearer I can say that period they are not heroes. They are liars and cannot be trusted with security, obviously. That is logic 101. When Obama had the lieutenant colonel sit next to Michelle during his state of the Union, all I could think as a active duty military man was that she lied to get into the military and he was celebrating her.

As a Marine, it's hard for me to watch movies that feature the Marines, as they're usually highly inaccurate. This movie nailed the bootcamp experience and culture of the Marines. I'm glad the writer was also the director, because that definitely contributed to the accuracy of the story. Bokeem delivered in the role as the Senior Drill Instructor. Jeremy Pope gave a passionate performance in the lead role. This had a great story, outstanding actors, and is a very good film that I will definitely recommend to others, especially those who served in my beloved Marine Corps. Semper Fi and Oooh Rah!