While it’s not likely that you’d find Tom Cruise and Sean Penn playing supporting roles to Timothy Hutton in a movie made since the early 1980s, that’s precisely what you’ll see in the Harold Becker film Taps. Long before Cruise became the massive movie star and Penn became renowned as one of our finest working actors, these guys were just two aspiring thespians looking to make a dent. (Taps marked Sean Penn’s debut, while Tom Cruise had appeared in only one other film, the ultra-sappy Endless Love.) Not only is it intriguing to see both actors at such an early age, but they also (along with Hutton) manage to deliver some raw, powerful performances.
The Bunker Hill Military Academy is about to commence with its 141st graduation ceremonies, when Headmaster General Bache (George C. Scott) divulges some shocking news – the school’s board of trustees has signed a deal to demolish the historic academy to make way for a new block of condominiums. The upperclassmen cadets are justifiably furious upon learning that their beloved school is destined for the wrecking ball. Initially, Cadet Major Moreland (Hutton) attempts to solve the problem through diplomatic means, but after an accidental death occurs on academy grounds and General Bache is victimized by a heart attack, the cadets rally together to protect their school by force.
Moreland commandeers the operation with the help of his two most trusted officers – the ill-tempered and aggressive Sergeant Shawn (Cruise) and the more cool-headed and logical Dwyer (Penn). Moreland’s intent is to secure the academy until the board agrees to keep the school open, yet things spiral out of control rather quickly. After managing to hold the local police at bay, the cadets then must contend with a grizzled National Guard Commander (Ronny Cox) and the constant pleas from parents that are piped in over a loudspeaker. The operation begins to unravel after several cadets desert their posts and a series of tragic accidents brings things to a head.
Though a bit stagy and slow in spots, Taps is an entertaining military thriller. The main theme is of the importance of honour, and although it’s clear that the infuriated young soldiers have their hearts in the right place, it’s also clear that this situation is not going to end in a pretty way. Director Becker (Sea of Love) coaxes strong performances from Hutton, Penn and Cruise while veterans Scott (Patton) and Cox (Robocop) are excellent in some disappointingly small parts. Eagle-eyed movie freaks will also catch sight of a very young Giancarlo Esposito (Do the Right Thing) and John Navin (Vacation) in two small – but important – roles.
As a somewhat antiquated military potboiler, Taps is an entertaining enough way to spend two hours. Fans of Penn and Cruise should enjoy this very early glimpse at their heroes, and Hutton (one of Hollywood’s all-time most underrated actors) holds the movie together single-handedly. Given the later political climate regarding “kids and guns”, Taps holds up surprisingly well… although it is a bit creepy to see 10-year-old boys running about with loaded machine guns.
