This is a great movie that shows the state of government red tape in the care of those who defended our freedom. It does tend to overplay the actions of the doctors a bit, but overall it is a good movie. It reminds of M*A*S*H a great deal. Ray Liotas character is Hawkeye, Sutherlands character is BJ and several other chracters are definetly M*A*S*H rewrites.

Sure, there are a lot of hokey, campy, surreal things in the film, but Article 99 (much like M*A*S*H) served-SERVES-to remind us how deeply flawed our VA system is when it comes to its job...caring for those of us who served our country. We've had benefits cut we were promised, denied other benefits, had more denied to us than we imagined...so yes, Article 99 is almost TOO true.

The 'over the topness' of parts of the film only serve as comic relief to tamp down the dreadfulness that indeed IS the average VA hospital...and the way your average vet is treated by the VA. Those that care are outnumbered hopelessly by bean counters; care that should be rote standard (and is in 'civilian' hospitals) is put off until the patient either gives up or dies. Don't get me wrong...as the film shows, there are a LOT of staffers who care...but they are often overlooked, buried or beaten down by a system geared to its own survival instead of its mission.

If you've not given much thought to the plight of veterans and how the government treats them after the battle is fought, watch and consider Article 99. Then call your Congressman and whomever else you can to demand that those who fought for you are treated with the respect and dignity they deserve...especially as many vets use the VA Medical Service because they can't afford a 'real' hospital and/or health insurance.

Lots of well-known actors star in this film: Ray Liotta, Kiefer Sutherland, Forest Whitaker, Lea Thompson, Eli Wallach, Keith David, but it is not a well-known film. A lot of people have not even heard of it. But that doesn't change the fact that this movie is great. It's very well written, directed and acted. It is action packed right from the beginning. The theme surrounds the poor medical care given to our war veterans and how the legislature Article 99 is actually a conspiracy to deny the veterans medical benefits. This movie has a great ending.

Article 99 offer a compelling look at the care given to our country's veterans due to budget cuts and misplaced priorities.

The entertaining cast of characters use a bit of comic relief, as in MASH, to bring the point home. Outstanding performances by a young Kiefer Sutherland, Forrest Whitaker, Ray Liotta, Lea Thompson and Ely Wallach put a human face on an impersonal government run hospital.
SGT
Maryland

Imagine if you will, a veterans administration hospital that is completely mired in politics but is full of veterans that are denied the treatment they rightly deserve and expect. You've just entered......the Red Tape Zone.

In a time of crisis, you learn to be creative, sneaky and employ any usable methods that enable you to do the right thing. This is the premise of `Article 99' in which a dedicated and conscientious group of doctors do what they can, however they can, to help the patients that have been declined certain procedures. If It means stealing controlled supplies horded in the basement or maybe hiding a patient somewhere in the hospital to make space for another, it's all part of the plan. Now throw in a new doctor who arrives for an internship and sees all the chaos and it makes for many interesting and amusing situations. Eventually, the tone is set for a dramatic showdown with the administration that leads to a somewhat predictable but thought provoking ending.

`Article 99', although fictional, has semblances of truth coursing through it at various places. All you have to do is look at the history of veteran's treatment in this country and the recent unpleasantness surrounding Walter Reed hospital in Virginia and it becomes a lot more distinct. Fortunately, it does hold together as a solid movie with a compelling plot and a great cast. With stars like Ray Liotta, Keifer Sutherland, Forrest Whitaker, Lea Thompson, Keith David, and John C. McGinley showcasing their on-screen abilities, they do a fine job throughout. This is recommended viewing.