The Pentagon Wars (1998)

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In the ending of "The Pentagon Wars," Colonel James G. Burton, after enduring a series of bureaucratic challenges and witnessing the failures of the Bradley Fighting Vehicle, ultimately resigns from the military. He exposes the flaws of the vehicle and the absurdity of the military procurement process, leading to a sense of disillusionment with the system. The film concludes with a sense of unresolved tension regarding the future of military spending and the consequences of political maneuvering.

As the film approaches its conclusion, Colonel James G. Burton finds himself increasingly frustrated with the Bradley Fighting Vehicle project. The narrative builds tension as he witnesses firsthand the numerous design flaws and safety issues that plague the vehicle. In a pivotal scene, Burton is confronted by his superiors, who are more concerned with maintaining the status quo and protecting their own interests than addressing the serious problems with the vehicle. This moment highlights the internal conflict within Burton, who is torn between his duty to the military and his moral obligation to ensure the safety of the soldiers who will use the Bradley.

In a climactic meeting, Burton presents his findings to a group of military officials, detailing the numerous shortcomings of the Bradley. He passionately argues that the vehicle is not only ineffective but also dangerous. However, his concerns are met with resistance and dismissal from those in power, who prioritize political expediency over the well-being of the troops. This scene underscores the bureaucratic nature of the military and the often absurd lengths to which officials will go to protect their interests.

As the pressure mounts, Burton's frustration culminates in a moment of clarity. He realizes that he can no longer be a part of a system that prioritizes politics over the lives of soldiers. In a powerful scene, he decides to resign from the military, symbolizing his rejection of the flawed procurement process and the corruption that has infiltrated the ranks. This decision is not made lightly; it reflects his deep sense of integrity and commitment to the truth.

In the final moments of the film, Burton's resignation is met with mixed reactions. Some of his colleagues express admiration for his courage, while others view him as a traitor to the military. The film closes with a poignant reminder of the ongoing issues within military procurement and the impact of political decisions on the lives of those who serve. Colonel Burton's fate is one of disillusionment, but also of hope, as he stands firm in his convictions, even in the face of overwhelming opposition.

The other main characters, such as General H. Norman Schwarzkopf and various military officials, remain entrenched in the system, illustrating the ongoing struggle between integrity and the bureaucratic machine. The film ends on a note of unresolved tension, leaving the audience to ponder the implications of Burton's choices and the future of military spending.

The Pentagon Wars, produced in 1998, does not have a post-credit scene. The film concludes without any additional scenes or content after the credits roll. The story wraps up with the main narrative focused on the challenges and absurdities faced by the military in developing the Bradley Fighting Vehicle, highlighting the bureaucratic struggles and the personal journey of Colonel James G. Burton, played by Kelsey Grammer. The film ends on a note that emphasizes the ongoing issues within military procurement and the often humorous yet frustrating nature of the process.

Colonel James G. Burton, portrayed by Kelsey Grammer, is the protagonist of 'The Pentagon Wars.' He is a dedicated and principled officer who is tasked with overseeing the development of the Bradley Fighting Vehicle. Throughout the film, he grapples with the bureaucratic challenges and the absurdities of military procurement, ultimately becoming disillusioned with the process as he witnesses the vehicle's numerous flaws and the impact of political maneuvering.

Colonel Burton's relationship with General H. Norman Schwarzkopf, played by Cary Elwes, is complex and evolves as the story progresses. Initially, Burton respects Schwarzkopf's authority, but as he uncovers the truth about the Bradley's shortcomings, he becomes increasingly frustrated with Schwarzkopf's willingness to overlook these issues for political gain. This tension culminates in a confrontation where Burton must choose between his loyalty to the military hierarchy and his commitment to the truth.

The film highlights several critical flaws of the Bradley Fighting Vehicle, including its lack of adequate armor, mechanical failures, and the fact that it was not designed for the combat scenarios it would face. Colonel Burton's investigations reveal that the vehicle is prone to catching fire and has serious issues with its weapon systems, which ultimately puts soldiers' lives at risk. These flaws serve as a central point of conflict in the narrative.

The Pentagon Wars vividly depicts the bureaucratic challenges faced by Colonel Burton through a series of frustrating encounters with military officials and contractors. Burton is often met with red tape, political pressure, and a culture that prioritizes appearances over functionality. Scenes show him struggling to get his concerns taken seriously, facing dismissive attitudes from superiors, and navigating a system that values compliance over accountability, which adds to his internal conflict and sense of isolation.

Major General William 'Bill' McCoy, played by Richard McGonagle, serves as a foil to Colonel Burton. He embodies the military establishment's acceptance of the status quo and often represents the voice of reason that dismisses Burton's concerns. McCoy's character highlights the tension between those who prioritize military tradition and those, like Burton, who seek to challenge it for the sake of safety and effectiveness. His interactions with Burton illustrate the broader themes of loyalty, integrity, and the struggle for reform within the military.

"The Pentagon Wars," produced in 1998, is a satirical film that explores the complexities and absurdities of military procurement and the development of the Bradley Fighting Vehicle. While the film is primarily a comedy, it does contain some elements that may not be suitable for younger audiences or sensitive viewers.

1. Military Language and Humor: The film includes military jargon and humor that may not be appropriate for children, as it sometimes touches on themes of incompetence and bureaucracy in a way that could be confusing or unsettling.

2. Satirical Depictions of War: There are scenes that satirize the military and its operations, which may include dark humor about the consequences of war and the impact on soldiers.

3. Character Conflicts: The film portrays conflicts between characters, including moments of frustration and anger, which could be intense for younger viewers.

4. Mature Themes: The overarching themes of government inefficiency and the serious implications of military decisions may be difficult for children to fully understand and could evoke feelings of confusion or concern.

5. Visuals of Military Equipment: There are scenes featuring military vehicles and operations that, while not graphic, may be intense for sensitive viewers.

Overall, while "The Pentagon Wars" is not overtly violent or graphic, its themes and humor may not resonate well with children or those who are sensitive to discussions about military and war-related topics.