REVIEW: Only the Brave is Touching Tribute to the Granite Mountain Hotshots

Fearless, courageous, and strong are just some of the words to describe the Granite Mountain Hotshots, a specialized unit of the Prescott, AZ fire department whose job was to help manage complex wildfires. Only the Brave is the true story of the Hotshots as they battle some of the most intense wildfires and their final battle with the Yarnell Fire. This heroic tale showcases some of the trials these men, and their loved ones, faced because of their job.

Josh Brolin leads the tremendous cast as Superintendent Eric Marsh, the leader of the Granite Mountain Hotshots. Josh plays the character with ease and leads the the cast much like the character he portrays had. Taylor Kitsch, Miles Teller, and James Badge Dale are enjoyable as Hotshots members Chris MacKenzie, Brendan “Donut” McDonough, and Jesse Steed. Each does a nice job bringing their character to life with their own specific personalities.

Jennifer Connelly and Jeff Bridges provide excellent support to the cast as Amanda Marsh, Eric’s horse trainer wife and Duane Steinbrink, the wildland division chief for the city of Prescott and major proponent of the Hotshots. Jennifer is compelling as the wife struggling with her desire for a family and the loneliness of being a support party of one while Jeff is charming as the rugged mentor to Eric March.

This film may not have have you rushing out to theaters, but it is definitely one you should see. Only the Brave is a fitting tribute to those who put their lives on the line every day to keep the public safe. It gives the audience an inside look into the successes this team achieved and the sacrifices they made. Like an erratic, unpredictable wildfire this film will have you thinking things are settled right before it intensifies to the highest level. See this movie in theaters this weekend or immediately buy it when it arrives On Demand, you will not regret it.

Grade: B+