Annapolis

Shipbuilder Jake Huard (James Franco) wins a coveted admission spot to the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, Maryland when a senior officer recognizes his perseverance. In addition to the physical and academic training during his first year, Jake must deal with the tense relationship he shares with his jealous father, and an instructor (Tyrese Gibson) who wants him out.

The film has little to do with either the Navy or ships, and the Academy comes off looking more like a prep school than a military institution built on tradition and discipline. With its load of inaccuracies, it is no wonder the U.S. Navy did not sanction the movie or even permit location filming.

The writers obviously felt that the goings-on at a military college were not interesting enough, and bog down the plot with both Jake's attraction to a fellow student (Jordana Brewster) and a boxing competition in which he must face off against his nemesis. Thus, the unoriginal screenplay simply weaves together three hit films of yester-year, An Officer and a Gentleman, Top Gun, and Rocky, but captures none of their excitement in the process. And it has become offensive that Hollywood keeps reiterating the myth that blue collar workers are repressed and downtrodden when, in fact, their unions ensure they make better wages than university graduates slogging office paper.

Franco is adequate as the fearless loner who refuses to ask for help, but is destined to be little more than a B-actor. Despite the one-dimension of his character, Gibson offers a fierce performance, while the alluring Brewster suggests a blossoming talent. The most engaging role is Jake's obese roommate (Vicellous Reon Shannon) -- dubbed "Twins" because of his size -- who struggles to make his entire town proud of his efforts.

Tepidly directed by novice Justin Lin, there are more shots of the attractive cast smiling wryly at each other than compelling drama. Still, believing in yourself is a good message for today's youth, but in this production it ends up being only mildly inspiring. What more can you expect from a Disney movie? Rating: 5 out of 10.