July 18, 2025 Breaking News, Latest News, and Videos

At The Movies: The Tillman Story:

The story of Pat Tillman is a disheartening account of how one man’s life and untimely death were outrageously utilized as a tool of propaganda for the war efforts in Iraq and Afghanistan. This isn’t new information for most Americans within earshot of the nightly news or access to the Internet, but it goes without saying that the details of the cover-up are still very haunting to this day. We like to think that our government is generally concerned about us as individuals, human beings, and not just pawns in a strategic global dominance game. Yet, Amir Bar-Lev’s new documentary, The Tillman Story, further illuminates the tragedy of one family’s undesired connection with the realistic corruption of bureaucratic powers.

United States Army Ranger Pat Tillman was killed on April 22nd, 2004 due to fratricide or as it is usually referred, friendly fire. Corporal Tillman and his troop were engaged in fire with insurgents while on mission in Afghanistan. Initially his death was reported as a heroic effort to protect his other Rangers, putting himself in harm’s way. However, details later surfaced that in actuality Tillman had been shot by his own men who stood a mere 40 yards away in plain sight.

This is the barebones outline of Tillman’s unfortunate death and something fully investigated and analyzed in previous written pieces, including a book by Tillman’s mother Mary Tillman. Even though there have already been numerous articles and new reports concerning the governmental cover-up of Tillman’s death, the new documentary shines in the actual interviews with those involved in the event and the uncovering of damaging facts. Bar-Lev’s film attempts to answer the over-bearing question of why this happened.

It was definitely national news when a NFL athlete from the Arizona Cardinals decided to forego a multi-million dollar deal extension in 2001, instead enlisting in the wake of a post 9/11 America. It would appear as if Tillman was the iconic brave soldier, answering the call of his country and in turn leaving behind the stardom of the football field. But those closest to Tillman describe a charismatic, educated man that definitely questioned the war efforts and his own role in Iraq.Yet, Tillman would not take a deal with the NFL and the government to cut his enlistment short, taking on his second tour in Afghanistan and ultimately his tragic demise.

The film is a collection of talking heads and overview of government documents, highlighting how the military and Bush administration in general left-out pertinent facts in order to use Tillman’s death as a call to other citizens. It’s angering and frustrating to see the Tillman family fight against the onslaught of political impediments and watch as their son became the poster child for a pro-war marketing campaign, wherein fact his death was a complete cover-up of massive proportions. Although the details of this fiasco have been brought to the masses already, Bar-Lev’s documentary is a must see for all Americans to recognize the importance of never taking anything at face value and our power as rightful citizens.

in News
<>Related Posts

Man Arrested in Brentwood for Impersonating Firefighter During Palisades Fire

July 18, 2025

July 18, 2025

The suspect faces at least 28 criminal counts—including 23 felonies—spanning incidents from 2023 to May 2025 Federal and local law...

West Coast Premiere of ‘The Opposite of Love’ Opens at Hudson Backstage Theatre

July 18, 2025

July 18, 2025

Produced by Neil Gooding Productions, behind shows like Back to the Future: The Musical, the play runs Thursdays through Saturdays at...

Study Highlights Economic Impact of Cap-and-Trade Extension in Los Angeles

July 18, 2025

July 18, 2025

Governor Gavin Newsom and legislative leaders are pushing to reauthorize the program this year, citing its role in generating 287,000...

Film Review: Superman

July 17, 2025

July 17, 2025

“This movie is packed with storyline, Superman lore, meaningful objects, and action.” writes Kathryn Whitney Boole Rated PG-13129 MinutesReleased July...

Multiple Drug Arrests Reported in Palisades Park in Recent Weeks

July 17, 2025

July 17, 2025

SMPD Reported Several of the Arrests Between June 29 and July 5 The Santa Monica Police Department reported several drug-related...

(Video) Did You Know Emma Chamberlain’s Coffee Shop is in Century City?

July 17, 2025

July 17, 2025

The outpost is a first for the popular influencer Did You Know Emma Chamberlain’s Coffee Shop is in Century City?...

Mayor Bass Hails National Guard Withdrawal as Victory for Unity

July 17, 2025

July 17, 2025

The Pentagon’s decision to reduce the troop presence follows weeks of legal challenges and public demonstrations Mayor Karen Bass celebrated...

DUI Checkpoints to be Conducted Across LA This Weekend

July 16, 2025

July 16, 2025

The LAPD selects checkpoint sites based on data indicating high incidents of impaired driving-related crashes and arrests The Los Angeles...

SMPD to Conduct Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Operation on Friday

July 16, 2025

July 16, 2025

The focus will be on speeding, illegal turns, failing to yield or provide right of way to cyclists or walkers,...

Dodgers to Host Back to School Bash for Fire-Affected Families

July 16, 2025

July 16, 2025

The free event will offer free groceries, school supplies, outfits, haircuts, medical screenings, and carnival rides The Los Angeles Dodgers...

LA Sees Second Straight Year of Homelessness Decline, Leaders Celebrate Progress

July 16, 2025

July 16, 2025

The survey, designed by the University of Southern California, reported a 17.5% drop—the largest two-year decrease on record The Los...

LAPD Seeks Missing 63-Year-Old Man Known to Frequent Playa Vista

July 15, 2025

July 15, 2025

His family last heard from him via a group text on June 22 The Los Angeles Police Department’s Missing Persons...

Santa Monica Offers City-Owned Properties for Affordable Housing Development

July 15, 2025

July 15, 2025

The move aims to address the city’s Regional Housing Need Assessment of 8,895 units, with a goal of producing at...

California Hits Two-Thirds Clean Energy Milestone

July 15, 2025

July 15, 2025

This year, clean energy has powered the state for an average of seven hours daily, with over 90% of days...

Venice Beach to Host First Medal at 2028 Olympics

July 15, 2025

July 15, 2025

Venice Beach, known for its vibrant boardwalk, will kick off the 844 ticketed events, hosting the triathlon along its coastline...