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Annapolis (film)
Encyclopedia
Annapolis is a 2006 drama film
directed by Justin Lin
and starring James Franco
, Tyrese Gibson, Jordana Brewster
, Donnie Wahlberg
, Roger Fan
, and Chi McBride
. The film revolves around Jake Huard, a young man who dreams of one day attending the United States Naval Academy
in Annapolis, Maryland
. It was released January 27, 2006 in the United States
.
As of February 12, 2006, the film grossed an approximate total of US$17.2 million in the United States, and was produced for a $26-million budget. Annapolis scored mostly negative reviews from critics but found an audience on DVD selling over four million copies and staying on top 10 rental lists around the country.
), who is also his employer at a naval shipyard, building vessels for the Navy
. It is revealed that his mother died an unspecified time ago, and his father doubts his ability to be anything.
The next day, Jake is visited by LCDR
Burton (Wahlberg), who reveals that his application to the U.S. Naval Academy
at Annapolis, Maryland
has been recently accepted. At a bar where Jake and his friends are celebrating his acceptance, his friends introduce him to a young woman named Ali (Brewster), who they claim is a prostitute hired as a going-away present. Huard's attempts to seduce Ali are unsuccessful, and his farewell with his father leaves him frustrated.
On his first day at the Academy, Huard discovers that one of his instructors is Ali, a Midshipman 2nd Class (an upperclassman) and the same woman that his friends introduced him to. She and her fellow instructor, Whitaker, begin hazing
Jake's class of plebes
, and it is revealed that Jake in particular is behind academically. Their company
commanding officer, Midshipman Lieutenant 1st Class Cole (Gibson), is revealed to be an enlisted Marine
, and announces his intent to run out any midshipman he feels will not become a worthy officer. Jake's roommates include Nance (Shannon) (nicknamed Twins because he is too overweight to complete the obstacle course
), Loo (Fan), and Estrada (Calderon), who is being singled out by Whitaker because of his race.
As time goes on, Estrada is kicked out for lying to Whitaker and attempting to assault Loo when he informs on Estrada to Cole. Huard's class becomes increasingly frustrated from suffering due to his failures, as evidenced by Loo moving out of the room. Nance explains his refusal to leave by noting that the instructors are so focused on Huard that they are leaving him alone. Returning home on winter leave, he intends not to return until he discovers that his father made a wager, expecting him to fail. Upon his return, the class begins instruction in boxing
, and it is announced that a midshipman tournament, the Brigades, will occur at the end of the year. After Huard angers the boxing instructor with some unsportsmanlike conduct
toward Cole in the ring, he is forced to train by himself.
After an after-hours match with Burton, Huard swallows his pride and admits he needs help training, enlisting Ali and Burton for physical training, and Nance for academics and to gain enough weight to be in Cole's weight class
. In his match with Loo, he endures some taunting and returns with a single-punch knockout
, earning him Loo's respect and support, along with the rest of his class when he proves capable of performing academically. He progresses through the tournament and defeats Whitaker in the semifinals, leaving Huard and Cole for the final match.
After Nance fails by just four seconds to successfully complete the obstacle course within five minutes, Cole informs Nance that he will be separated from the Academy. Nance attempts suicide
, which prompts Jake to tackle Cole in anger. Expecting to be kicked out, Jake begins to pack up and leave, until Cole approaches him and informs him that he has requested more time from the disciplinary board in order to delay the hearing until after the final Brigades match. After some encouragement from the recovering Nance, Jake steps into the ring to fight Cole, lasting a full three rounds. Although Cole wins by decision
, Jake's boxing ability earns him the respect of the entire Academy, as well as his father (who has come to see the fight despite being behind schedule on the current ship he is building).
At his subsequent hearing, the disciplinary board decides to retain Jake, based on Cole's recommendation. The class of 2008 celebrates the end of their Plebe year, while Jake and Ali finally express their mutual attraction openly. Jake approaches newly-commissioned
Second Lieutenant Cole to ask who would have won if the fight had continued, to which Cole challenges Jake to join the Marines to find out.
based on 111 reviews.
Because of the lack of access to Annapolis Naval Academy, the movie was filmed in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
at Girard College
at the decommissioned Philadelphia Naval Shipyard
.
Drama film
A drama film is a film genre that depends mostly on in-depth development of realistic characters dealing with emotional themes. Dramatic themes such as alcoholism, drug addiction, infidelity, moral dilemmas, racial prejudice, religious intolerance, poverty, class divisions, violence against women...
directed by Justin Lin
Justin Lin
Justin Lin is a Taiwanese American film director, best known for his work on Better Luck Tomorrow, The Fast and the Furious franchise and the television show, Community.-Life and career:...
and starring James Franco
James Franco
James Edward Franco is an American actor, film director, producer, screenwriter, author, painter, performance artist and instructor at New York University. He left college in order to pursue acting and started off his career by making guest appearances on television series in the 1990s...
, Tyrese Gibson, Jordana Brewster
Jordana Brewster
Jordana Brewster is an American actress. She began her acting career in her late teens, with a 1995 one-episode role in the soap opera All My Children. She followed that appearance with the recurring role as Nikki Munson in As the World Turns, for which Brewster was nominated for Outstanding Teen...
, Donnie Wahlberg
Donnie Wahlberg
Donald Edward "Donnie" Wahlberg, Jr. is an American singer, actor and film producer. He is a member of the popular 1980s and 1990s boy band New Kids on the Block. His work background includes music, feature films, and television...
, Roger Fan
Roger Fan
Roger Fan is an American actor of film, theatre and episodic television best known for his collaborations with Justin Lin and his appearances in the films Annapolis and Better Luck Tomorrow....
, and Chi McBride
Chi McBride
Kenneth "Chi" McBride is an American actor. He starred as Steven Harper on the series Boston Public, as Emerson Cod on Pushing Daisies, and recently appeared in Fox's drama Human Target.-Early life:...
. The film revolves around Jake Huard, a young man who dreams of one day attending the United States Naval Academy
United States Naval Academy
The United States Naval Academy is a four-year coeducational federal service academy located in Annapolis, Maryland, United States...
in Annapolis, Maryland
Annapolis, Maryland
Annapolis is the capital of the U.S. state of Maryland, as well as the county seat of Anne Arundel County. It had a population of 38,394 at the 2010 census and is situated on the Chesapeake Bay at the mouth of the Severn River, south of Baltimore and about east of Washington, D.C. Annapolis is...
. It was released January 27, 2006 in the United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
.
As of February 12, 2006, the film grossed an approximate total of US$17.2 million in the United States, and was produced for a $26-million budget. Annapolis scored mostly negative reviews from critics but found an audience on DVD selling over four million copies and staying on top 10 rental lists around the country.
Summary
The movie begins with Jake Huard (Franco) waking up after being knocked down during a boxing match. After returning to his feet and beating his opponent, he returns to the home he shares with his distant father (Brian GoodmanBrian Goodman
Brian Goodman is an American film and television director, writer, and actor.-Brief background:At 12, Goodman quit school and started living on the streets. He sold drugs, married young, and served time in prison for his criminal activity. It was not until he saw Brian's Song that Goodman made a...
), who is also his employer at a naval shipyard, building vessels for the Navy
United States Navy
The United States Navy is the naval warfare service branch of the United States Armed Forces and one of the seven uniformed services of the United States. The U.S. Navy is the largest in the world; its battle fleet tonnage is greater than that of the next 13 largest navies combined. The U.S...
. It is revealed that his mother died an unspecified time ago, and his father doubts his ability to be anything.
The next day, Jake is visited by LCDR
Lieutenant commander (United States)
Lieutenant commander is a mid-ranking officer rank in the United States Navy, the United States Coast Guard, the United States Public Health Service Commissioned Corps, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Commissioned Corps, with the pay grade of O-4 and NATO rank code OF-3...
Burton (Wahlberg), who reveals that his application to the U.S. Naval Academy
United States Naval Academy
The United States Naval Academy is a four-year coeducational federal service academy located in Annapolis, Maryland, United States...
at Annapolis, Maryland
Annapolis, Maryland
Annapolis is the capital of the U.S. state of Maryland, as well as the county seat of Anne Arundel County. It had a population of 38,394 at the 2010 census and is situated on the Chesapeake Bay at the mouth of the Severn River, south of Baltimore and about east of Washington, D.C. Annapolis is...
has been recently accepted. At a bar where Jake and his friends are celebrating his acceptance, his friends introduce him to a young woman named Ali (Brewster), who they claim is a prostitute hired as a going-away present. Huard's attempts to seduce Ali are unsuccessful, and his farewell with his father leaves him frustrated.
On his first day at the Academy, Huard discovers that one of his instructors is Ali, a Midshipman 2nd Class (an upperclassman) and the same woman that his friends introduced him to. She and her fellow instructor, Whitaker, begin hazing
Hazing
Hazing is a term used to describe various ritual and other activities involving harassment, abuse or humiliation used as a way of initiating a person into a group....
Jake's class of plebes
Plebs
The plebs was the general body of free land-owning Roman citizens in Ancient Rome. They were distinct from the higher order of the patricians. A member of the plebs was known as a plebeian...
, and it is revealed that Jake in particular is behind academically. Their company
Company (military unit)
A company is a military unit, typically consisting of 80–225 soldiers and usually commanded by a Captain, Major or Commandant. Most companies are formed of three to five platoons although the exact number may vary by country, unit type, and structure...
commanding officer, Midshipman Lieutenant 1st Class Cole (Gibson), is revealed to be an enlisted Marine
United States Marine Corps
The United States Marine Corps is a branch of the United States Armed Forces responsible for providing power projection from the sea, using the mobility of the United States Navy to deliver combined-arms task forces rapidly. It is one of seven uniformed services of the United States...
, and announces his intent to run out any midshipman he feels will not become a worthy officer. Jake's roommates include Nance (Shannon) (nicknamed Twins because he is too overweight to complete the obstacle course
Obstacle course
An obstacle course is a series of challenging physical obstacles an individual or team must navigate usually while being timed. Obstacle courses can include running, climbing, jumping, crawling, swimming, and balancing elements with the aim of testing speed and endurance. Sometimes a course...
), Loo (Fan), and Estrada (Calderon), who is being singled out by Whitaker because of his race.
As time goes on, Estrada is kicked out for lying to Whitaker and attempting to assault Loo when he informs on Estrada to Cole. Huard's class becomes increasingly frustrated from suffering due to his failures, as evidenced by Loo moving out of the room. Nance explains his refusal to leave by noting that the instructors are so focused on Huard that they are leaving him alone. Returning home on winter leave, he intends not to return until he discovers that his father made a wager, expecting him to fail. Upon his return, the class begins instruction in boxing
Boxing
Boxing, also called pugilism, is a combat sport in which two people fight each other using their fists. Boxing is supervised by a referee over a series of between one to three minute intervals called rounds...
, and it is announced that a midshipman tournament, the Brigades, will occur at the end of the year. After Huard angers the boxing instructor with some unsportsmanlike conduct
Unsportsmanlike conduct
Unsportsmanlike conduct is a foul or offense in many sports that is not necessarily a violation of the respective sport's rules of play, but violates the sport's generally accepted rules of sportsmanship and/or participant conduct...
toward Cole in the ring, he is forced to train by himself.
After an after-hours match with Burton, Huard swallows his pride and admits he needs help training, enlisting Ali and Burton for physical training, and Nance for academics and to gain enough weight to be in Cole's weight class
Heavyweight
Heavyweight is a division, or weight class, in boxing. Fighters who weigh over 200 pounds are considered heavyweights by the major professional boxing organizations: the International Boxing Federation, the World Boxing Association, the World Boxing Council, and the World Boxing...
. In his match with Loo, he endures some taunting and returns with a single-punch knockout
Knockout
A knockout is a fight-ending, winning criterion in several full-contact combat sports, such as boxing, kickboxing, Muay Thai, mixed martial arts, Karate and others sports involving striking...
, earning him Loo's respect and support, along with the rest of his class when he proves capable of performing academically. He progresses through the tournament and defeats Whitaker in the semifinals, leaving Huard and Cole for the final match.
After Nance fails by just four seconds to successfully complete the obstacle course within five minutes, Cole informs Nance that he will be separated from the Academy. Nance attempts suicide
Suicide
Suicide is the act of intentionally causing one's own death. Suicide is often committed out of despair or attributed to some underlying mental disorder, such as depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, alcoholism, or drug abuse...
, which prompts Jake to tackle Cole in anger. Expecting to be kicked out, Jake begins to pack up and leave, until Cole approaches him and informs him that he has requested more time from the disciplinary board in order to delay the hearing until after the final Brigades match. After some encouragement from the recovering Nance, Jake steps into the ring to fight Cole, lasting a full three rounds. Although Cole wins by decision
Split decision
A split decision is a winning criterion in several full-contact combat sports, such as boxing, kickboxing, Muay Thai, mixed martial arts and others sports involving striking in which two of the three judges score for the same fighter as the winner, while the third judge scores for the other...
, Jake's boxing ability earns him the respect of the entire Academy, as well as his father (who has come to see the fight despite being behind schedule on the current ship he is building).
At his subsequent hearing, the disciplinary board decides to retain Jake, based on Cole's recommendation. The class of 2008 celebrates the end of their Plebe year, while Jake and Ali finally express their mutual attraction openly. Jake approaches newly-commissioned
Officer (armed forces)
An officer is a member of an armed force or uniformed service who holds a position of authority. Commissioned officers derive authority directly from a sovereign power and, as such, hold a commission charging them with the duties and responsibilities of a specific office or position...
Second Lieutenant Cole to ask who would have won if the fight had continued, to which Cole challenges Jake to join the Marines to find out.
Cast
- James FrancoJames FrancoJames Edward Franco is an American actor, film director, producer, screenwriter, author, painter, performance artist and instructor at New York University. He left college in order to pursue acting and started off his career by making guest appearances on television series in the 1990s...
as Jake Huard - Tyrese Gibson as Cole
- Macka Foley as Ref
- Jim Parrack as A.J.
- Donnie WahlbergDonnie WahlbergDonald Edward "Donnie" Wahlberg, Jr. is an American singer, actor and film producer. He is a member of the popular 1980s and 1990s boy band New Kids on the Block. His work background includes music, feature films, and television...
as LCDR Burton - Brian GoodmanBrian GoodmanBrian Goodman is an American film and television director, writer, and actor.-Brief background:At 12, Goodman quit school and started living on the streets. He sold drugs, married young, and served time in prison for his criminal activity. It was not until he saw Brian's Song that Goodman made a...
as Bill Huard - Billy Finnigan as Kevin
- Jordana BrewsterJordana BrewsterJordana Brewster is an American actress. She began her acting career in her late teens, with a 1995 one-episode role in the soap opera All My Children. She followed that appearance with the recurring role as Nikki Munson in As the World Turns, for which Brewster was nominated for Outstanding Teen...
as Ali - Katie Hein as Risa
- Jimmy Yi Fu Li as Midshipman Lin
- Charles NapierCharles Napier (actor)Charles L. Napier was an American actor, known for his portrayals of square-jawed tough guys and military types.-Early life:...
as Supt. Carter - Heather Henderson as Daniels
- Vicellous Reon ShannonVicellous Reon ShannonVicellous Reon Shannon is an American actor.Shannon is a native of Memphis, Tennessee. He is perhaps best known for his portrayal of Lesra Martin in the 1999 film The Hurricane, and Keith Palmer, the son of presidential candidate David Palmer in the Fox television series 24...
as Twins - Roger FanRoger FanRoger Fan is an American actor of film, theatre and episodic television best known for his collaborations with Justin Lin and his appearances in the films Annapolis and Better Luck Tomorrow....
as Loo - McCaleb Burnett as Whitaker
- Wilmer Calderon as Estrada
- Chi McBrideChi McBrideKenneth "Chi" McBride is an American actor. He starred as Steven Harper on the series Boston Public, as Emerson Cod on Pushing Daisies, and recently appeared in Fox's drama Human Target.-Early life:...
as McNally - Matt Myers as Mr. Nance
- John Fahy as Midshipman
- Samuel Winder as Flaming Midshipman
- Lisa Crilley as Jen
Soundtrack
The score by Brian Tyler was released, but the soundtrack was not.- "Nowhere Ride" - The Chelsea SmilesThe Chelsea SmilesThe Chelsea Smiles are a hard rock/sleaze rock band formed in 2004 featuring guitarist Todd Youth , Karl Rosqvist of Danzig, Steel Prophet, Skye Vaughan-Jayne of Bullets and Octane, Johnny Martin and RJ Ronquillo....
- "More Human than HumanMore Human Than Human"More Human than Human" is the second official single off the Astro-Creep: 2000 album by White Zombie. The song can also be found on Rob Zombie's Past, Present & Future, the greatest hits album The Best of Rob Zombie, and a remix is included on Supersexy Swingin' Sounds.-Music and lyrics:The title,...
" - White ZombieWhite ZombieWhite Zombie was a Grammy Award-nominated American heavy metal band. Based in New York City, White Zombie was originally a noise rock band. White Zombie are better-known for their later heavy metal-oriented sound... - "When I'm Gone" - No AddressNo AddressNo Address is an alternative rock/post-grunge band from Tallahassee, Florida. They are best known for their single "When I'm Gone "...
- "Just Stop" - Disturbed
- "Different StarsDifferent StarsDifferent Stars is the second album by American rock band Trespassers William. It was originally self-released in 2002, released in the UK on Bella Union on 28 September 2002, and finally re-released with minor track changes on Nettwerk Records on 19 October 2004.- self-released :# "Intro"# "Lie...
" - Trespassers WilliamTrespassers WilliamTrespassers William are an indie rock/dream pop band known for their ethereal music. Hailing from Southern California, they work and live in the Sodo/Capitol Hill area of Seattle, Washington. Their latest release is the 2009 EP, The Natural Order of Things. They are currently working on their... - "SomersaultSomersaultA somersault is an acrobatic exercise in which a person does a full 360° flip, moving the feet over the head. A somersault can be performed either forwards, backwards, or sideways and can be executed in the air or on the ground...
" - Zero 7Zero 7Zero 7 is a British musical duo consisting of Henry Binns and Sam Hardaker. The group members began their musical careers as studio engineers and in 1997 formed the group Zero 7. Their debut album, Simple Things was released in 2001 and received critical acclaim... - "Born Too SlowBorn Too Slow"Born Too Slow" is the first single released from The Crystal Method's third studio album, Legion of Boom. The song was first featured on EA's Need for Speed: Underground in 2003, with the single being released later that year. The song has also been featured in Gran Turismo 4 and Donkey Konga 2...
" - The Crystal MethodThe Crystal MethodThe Crystal Method is an American electronic music duo that was created in Los Angeles, California by Ken Jordan and Scott Kirkland in the early 1990s. The Crystal Method's music has appeared in numerous TV shows, films, video games, and advertisements. The most prominent is the US television... - "Hero of the DayHero of the Day"Hero of the Day" is a song by Metallica on their 1996 album Load. The song was first recorded on December 13, 1995, and was the first song on Load to be recorded. The song was also Metallica's second single release from the album. A promotional video for the track was also filmed...
" - MetallicaMetallicaMetallica is an American heavy metal band from Los Angeles, California. Formed in 1981 when James Hetfield responded to an advertisement that drummer Lars Ulrich had posted in a local newspaper. The current line-up features long-time lead guitarist Kirk Hammett and bassist Robert Trujillo ... - "Start Something" - LostprophetsLostprophetsLostprophets is a Welsh rock band from Pontypridd, formed in 1997. Founded by vocalist Ian Watkins, bassist Mike Lewis, drummer Mike Chiplin and guitarist Lee Gaze, they were originally a side-project to hardcore punk band Public Disturbance. To date, Lostprophets have released four studio...
Reception
The film received mostly negative reviews from critics, and receives a 10% rating on Rotten TomatoesRotten Tomatoes
Rotten Tomatoes is a website devoted to reviews, information, and news of films—widely known as a film review aggregator. Its name derives from the cliché of audiences throwing tomatoes and other vegetables at a poor stage performance...
based on 111 reviews.
Controversy
Upon reviewing the script, the Chief of Naval Information commented:- This picture was made without the support of the Department of the Navy and the Department of Defense ... the story depicted in the script did not accurately portray the Academy, its standards for training, and its methods of shaping midshipmen mentally, morally and physically for service in the U.S. Navy. Based on this, the producers were not allowed further access to the Academy grounds or provided with any other support for the filming.
- Navy personnel should avoid the appearance of support to the film as members of the Department of the Navy. Anyone attending a screening or promotional activity for the film should not attend in uniform.
Because of the lack of access to Annapolis Naval Academy, the movie was filmed in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Philadelphia is the largest city in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the county seat of Philadelphia County, with which it is coterminous. The city is located in the Northeastern United States along the Delaware and Schuylkill rivers. It is the fifth-most-populous city in the United States,...
at Girard College
Girard College
Girard College is an independent boarding school on a 43-acre campus in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in the United States.Girard is for academically capable students, grades one through 12, and awards a full scholarship with a yearly value of approximately $42,000 to every child admitted to the...
at the decommissioned Philadelphia Naval Shipyard
Philadelphia Naval Shipyard
The Philadelphia Naval Business Center, formerly known as the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard and Philadelphia Navy Yard, was the first naval shipyard of the United States. The U.S. Navy reduced its activities there in the 1990s, and ended most of them on September 30, 1995...
.