The Best Cripple

If flipping channels, younger generations might mistake

Born on the Fourth of July for a My Name Is Earl rerun.

Photo courtesy of pixes.eu

One word: talent. Turning an Oscar-nominated performance, even with a mustache? Pure, unadulterated talent.

Based on a true story, Tom Cruise portrays Ron Kovic, a young man who sacrifices his star athleticism after being moved by a rousing JFK speech. With his nationalism intact, Kovic heads to ‘Nam, where he loses the use of his legs while on foot patrol. He is then dropped backed into society.



Taking a stab at a Hemingway-like quandary of postwar impotence, it’s pretty tragic watching as Kovic is unable to get it up for the prostitute in the Mexican brothel. The truth must be told, regardless of how horrific: no, Kovic can no longer sleep with hookers properly. War has ruined this man.

Keep in mind, Kovic actually was Born on the Fourth of July, as the title suggests. This is the day we celebrate our independence. This is the day representing America’s freedom and greatness.

While Hollywood finally did something right by nominating Tom Cruise for Best Actor in a Leading Role, it was highly unfortunate that in the same year, another guy portraying a true-to-life handicapper came along and took home the little golden statue.

Of course, the fact the Oscar went to the Irish cobbler Daniel Day-Lewis makes a lot of sense, being that America loves foreigners more than its own (which is kind of the point of Born on the Fourth of July). Christy Brown and his damn cerebral palsy left foot weren’t even born on St. Patrick’s Day, for crying out loud!

Then again, getting screwed over is kind of in the spirit of Ron Kovic, isn’t it? Despite everything, it’s proven that even from a wheelchair, a man can still wave the American flag.

This is why Tom Cruise will always be…the best cripple.