Parades

This film tells of the mistreatment of AWOL prisoners at the fictional Fort Nix. It's supposedly based on accounts taken from prisoners at Fort Dix, New Jersey, and at other American Army bases. The result is a mixture of overplayed drama and an uneven style of filmmaking that varies from the highly serious to moments of intense black comedy. The violence is extremely graphic with a strong anti-Army sentiment. It was the first feature for the 28-year-old Siegel, a noted documentary filmmaker. His training in that genre shows here with a realistic look and feel. Watch for an appearance by 1970s television heartthrob Estrada in a minor role.