The Underrated Christopher Plummer Military Drama You Can Catch On Hulu

Few actors can claim to have a career that's truly legendary, but then again, Christopher Plummer wasn't like most actors. With a career that spanned seven decades and an Academy Award to his name, Plummer left an indelible mark on the industry that continues to influence new generations of actors. He died on February 5, 2021, but he left behind an impressive body of work any cinephile should absolutely take a deep dive into.

The actor continued working well into his golden years, most notably with roles in "Knives Out" and "All the Money in the World," but one of his final performances — "The Last Full Measure" — didn't quite receive the recognition it deserved upon release. It grossed just over $3 million at the box office and only holds a 59% average rating on the Tomatometer from critics. General audiences ultimately preferred the movie, with 96% of regular folks giving it a positive review on Rotten Tomatoes.

It's certainly worth another look. Not only was the film one of Plummer's last, but it also marks the final film appearance from another icon of the silver screen — Peter Fonda — before his death on August 16, 2019. Now that "The Last Full Measure" is available to watch on Hulu, it's easier than ever before to see exactly what made these actors such treasures. 

"The Last Full Measure" tells the incredible true story of William H. Pitsenbarger (Jeremy Irvine), an Air Force Pararescueman who left his helicopter to help people trapped on the ground in the midst of the Vietnam War. He put his life on the line when he didn't have to, and even after being given the opportunity to escape to safety, he decides to stay behind to assist his military brethren during one of the bloodiest battles in the entire war. The top-notch cast also includes the likes of Samuel L. Jackson, Sebastian Stan, Ed Harris, William Hurt, and Bradley Whitford. 

It's the perfect movie to honor those who fought valiantly to protect our freedoms. In addition to the sequences that take place in the heat of war, the film also offers flash-forwards to the present day that showcase the impact of PTSD on veterans. Regardless of your association with war and whether you know anyone personally who's a veteran, "The Last Full Measure" offers a powerful viewing experience that makes you reflect on the sacrifices made for the United States. Richard Roeper of the Chicago Sun-Times was one of the top critics who found value within the movie, writing, "A moving and powerful and unforgettable story about the Vietnam War and its aftershocks, in the tradition of 'The Deer Hunter' and 'Coming Home.'"

A lot of people overlooked "The Last Full Measure" when it first came out, but once you see it, you realize it deserves the same regard as "The Thin Red Line." It's an essential Memorial Day movie, so make sure to check it out on Hulu.