Just in time for Independence Day, Mel Gibson’s new movie, “The Patriot,” opens this weekend. Just like we know how the Revolutionary War ends, the plot is equally predictable.This isn’t to say “The Patriot” is a bad movie. Actually, there are scenes which are rather stirring. This is true whether you’re a citizen of the United States or not. The costumes are historically accurate and the wooden mast ships in the harbor scenes are spectacular.Unless you’re intimately acquainted with American history, more in-depth than History 151, you can’t help but wonder how much Hollywood plays with the truth. In one scene, British soldiers lock an entire community in their church and then burn it to the ground. If such things did take place, then popular history has certainly been sanitized.Another plot line also stands out in which a farmer believes he is too old to join in the fight. He instead sends his slave to fight in his place. Later in the movie, someone reads the slave a posted proclamation from George Washington stating that any slave who fights for the Continental Army will gain freedom after 12 months.While this may be true, it is hard to believe because slavery continued long after the Revolutionary War. Also, did George Washington have that kind of power to make such a proclamation? Perhaps. He was highly regarded by the Continental Congress, especially as they wanted to make him king. It seems unlikely however, given the popular use of slaves at the time.The predictability of this movie is found in Mel Gibson’s character. You know before you buy popcorn that he’s the hero. A reluctant veteran of the French and Indian War, his character is dragged kicking and screaming into fighting. But when he realizes there is no other alternative but to whip some Red Coat fanny, he does it with bravery and an abundance of gusto. Gibson plays a classic hero’s role.A better ending would have been obtained if Gibson’s character’s son had killed the leader of the evil British dragoons. It also would have made this almost three-hour movie shorter by roughly 45 minutes. Cutting out scenes of the leading role’s youngest daughter would also have saved precious time. For most of the movie, we know she’s tormented by some kind of trauma and refuses to speak, but we never find out why.It’s not the worst movie and at times can be emotionally and, of course, politically moving. However, its flaws distracted from the flow of the story. Save your money and wait for it to come out on cable.This movie would best be enjoyed by history buffs, military veterans, young men, and couples who have reached the “let’s buy each other practical gifts for Christmas” stage. Over-zealous militia of today will love this movie, too – in their patient wait for Janet Reno, the ATF, or some godforsaken commies to charge into their compounds.