Sun Dogs (2018)

Ned is determined to join the marines but, due to his learning disabilities, he's something of a running-joke at the recruitment office. When an officer finally gives him a "mission" to protect the homefront rather than continually trying to enlist, he takes on the challenge with gusto. Eventually Tally, a young woman constantly in trouble for trying to scam casino patrons, joins him in his quest.

It's interesting to see how Ned affects those around him. His mother is a constant encourager who hasn't gone after her own dreams, even as she encourages Ned to chase things he won't ever get. His common-law stepfather isn't unkind, but he thinks pragmatism is the better route where Ned is concerned. And then Tally is just completely unaware that Ned is anything than what he believes himself to be: a "Sun Dog" (basically a Marine spy on the lookout for terrorist cells).

It's an unusual and effective story.

B-