As "American Sniper" proved, an audience exists for modern movies that celebrate military heroes, and stark depictions of war like "Hacksaw Ridge." Those movies, however, were built around strong central characters, whereas this is an ensemble piece, to the detriment of getting a good handle on most of them.

Orlando Bloom, "Get Out's" Caleb Landry Jones and Scott Eastwood (as Medal of Honor recipient Clint Romesha, a tough-as-nails soldier that Eastwood plays with a snarl reminiscent of his dad, Clint, around that age) occupy some of the more prominent roles.

Daniel Rodriguez, one of the actual participants in the battle, plays himself, and members of the much-decorated troop are interviewed by Tapper alongside the closing credits.

In a note to critics, Lurie acknowledged that he would have understandably preferred the movie be seen in theaters, before events intervened.

While the action might gain something in that format, "The Outpost's" shortcomings have less to do with the size of the screen than the depth of what's on it.