Iraq war films have been a box-office bust so far, but the previews for Stop-Loss gave the impression that it might end the losing streak of films like "Lions for Lambs," "In the Valley of Elah," "Redacted" and "Rendition."

So in spite of its mediocre 61% tomatoemeter score, I headed out to the 10:00 show at the Lincoln Square.  I felt somewhat of an anti-war, anti-administration patriotic duty to see it, and add at least one to the weekend gross.

The show was pretty full, though not sold out.  But of course, we're talking about the People's Republic of the Upper West Side here.  As for the film itself?  Very good, but not great.  Certainly worth seeing.  (Some more, with perhaps a moderate spoiler, below the fold.)