“Heroes Stand Alone” is a hopelessly banal and utterly forgettable war film. It panders to its audience by depicting American soldiers as well-meaning and noble while all the Cubans are portrayed as being treachorous killers.

The story concerns an American reconnaissance mission. A group of courageous soldiers is sent to San Pedro to rescue the survivors of a plane crash. The enemy forces (comprised of Cuban and Soviet military personnel) violate a cease-fire in order to ambush the Americans.

The lead role is played by Chad Everett, best known for his work on the TV show “Medical Center.” He plays Zack, a jaded and tough platoon leader who questions the neccessity of his country’s involvement in the conflict.

At one point he tells one of his men that, “It’s all for nothing.” Later we learn that the only reason the United States is involved is to get control of the country’s oil supply.

All of the attempts at humor fall flat. An American soldier named Willie wears a gaudy pair of red gym shoes on the battlefield. When Zack questions him about them, Willie replies “These are my ruby slippers.” The film continues its “Wizard of Oz” motif when Willie laments “There’s no place like home.”

I had hoped that the story would pick up when a lovely Cuban woman was introduced. At this point the film could have explored the theme of a woman in a traditional “male world”. Instead it completely squandered the character. The female character is treated as a mere sex object to provide titillation for the predominantly male audience. In her “big scene” she takes a bath in the river while her voyeuristic commander watches.

There is only one scene that packs any kind of emotional power. It occurs after a young soldier gets trigger happy and kills one of his fellow soldiers. Zack takes away his weapon and asks him how such an inexperienced soldier came to be on the mission. He tells Zack that he accidently killed a “gook general” and the authorities needed a hero that week. At this point Zack shows some compassion and gives the youth his gun again.

“Heroes Last Stand” features a double for Zack who gives orders to the other side. He encountered Zack on a previous mission and has respect for his opponent’s integrity. At one point he tells his allies how Zack carried a wounded guerilla for ten miles in order to save his life.

This commander is the only villain who has any redeeming qualities. The whole film seems to head toward a confrontation between these two characters. The confrontation turns out to be completely anti-climatic. It’s a disappointing end to a disappointing film.