The modesty on display in Lt. Dan Band: For the Common Good should go a long way towards changing how you feel about public acts of celebrity philanthropy. Unlike the movie stars who take every opportunity to make their good acts known, there are some who do it selflessly and with such devotion that it’s clear the motivation has nothing to do with ego or self-promotion. Gary Sinise, the lead of CSI: NY and star of such films as Apollo 13 and Forrest Gump, went on a two-year tour around the world to support the troops as they fought in the name of their country. It wasn’t hugely publicized, and hell, even this documentary about the tour has flown under the radar, but that’s not where Sinise’s humble approach begins. Lt. Dan Band: For the Common Good establishes early on just how the USO tour came to be, and it shows with no uncertainty the depth of the actor’s sincerity to giving back to the troops.
After September 11, 2001, Gary Sinise vowed to give something back to the people that serve, served, and have died serving the United States, whether it be in the military or as a first responder. What started as just a few goodwill appearances took a musical turn when he proposed taking the jam band he and a few friends (Kimo Williams, Gina Gonzalez, Mari Anne Jayme, Julie Dutchak, Jeff Vezain, Kirk Garrison, Mitch Paliga, Danny & Beth Gotlieb, Ernie Denov, and Ben Lewis) had formed on a tour to visit troops abroad. With Forrest Gump being an international sensation, they took on the name Lt. Dan Band, and from there on out they embarked on a trip that would alter their sense of calling.
If the concept of touring from one military base to the next with the intention of raising morale and offering soldiers a night of respite from their worries doesn’t inspire you, then the documentary will at least entertain you with the impressively good covers of hits by The Who and others. What really helps to sell the film though is the incredible nice-guy personality of Gary Sinise, and his levelheaded desire to not be “the star”. His attitude mixed with the testimonials of army families, soldiers, firemen, and so many others shows you just how far the effects of a charitable gesture can travel.
DVD Bonus Features
Sadly, there are none.
"Lt. Dan Band: For the Common Good" is on sale July 29, 2011 and is not rated. Concert-Film, Documentary. Directed by Jonathan Flora. Starring Gary Sinise, Kimo Williams.
