[Show spoiler]It’s been over twelve years since I saw this movie; I remember thinking it was good, but my folks didn’t care for it, so it never really got any replay value in our household.
I finally took the chance to revisit it on my own. Dang, I forgot how long, bloody, and intense most of the battles are. I forgot how much tension and suspense there is in between the battles. I forgot just how much immaculate detail was poured into each scene, showcasing war (and the battle of Omaha specifically) in the most realistic light possible. It’s close to three hours long, but at least half of it is devoted to the incredible battle sequences; it truly is a war film for the ages.
The story for this is fine and dandy, and is a serviceable platform for shuffling the characters along their journey. It’s also integral for diving into some strong themes concerning the war, the human spirit, and philosophy. The film takes every intellectual advantage of the story’s nuances, and with a cast of quality characters, the film does have plenty of strengths.
One problem I have, as do my parents, is the plausibility of the story. No way in heck would the Army risk eight men to rescue one, regardless of the circumstance. Surely, if they did this for Ryan, why not everybody else suffering from losses? Then, who would be left to fight? Singling out one soldier just never made sense to any of us. Incidentally, it didn’t make sense to the story’s characters either, and as they discuss and find the value in the issue, the story works in its own bizarre way.
The stuff in the middle also struck me as a little dumb. When the guys go after the target of opportunity, it felt too out-of-place; I suspect that
[Show spoiler]if it wasn’t for the one soldier dying
the scene could have been cut out entirely. I find it especially off, since Tom Hanks’ character seemed uncharacteristically arrogant during that whole sequence. In the end, I didn’t get the point of that.
One other issue I have personally is the commemorative beginning and ending; it’s one scene that always struck me as being manipulative and overly-sentimental. I didn’t care for it in “Schindler’s List” either.
Otherwise, the film is exceptionally strong. Despite some herky-jerky cameramanship, I do love the photography throughout; lots of intimate close-ups and interesting long-shots, all so full of detail. Acting is really good; Tom Hanks is the man, Tom Sizemore is not bad, Edward Burns is cool, I loved Barry Pepper’s role, Matt Damon is surprisingly strong, and best of all Vin Diesel’s in the mix!
[Show spoiler]Too bad he dies early in the film.
Writing has a lot of interesting and bright moments. Production value is very strong, with highly-detailed and seemingly-realistic sets, props, costumes, locations, vehicles, weapons, and everything. Music is a little overly-sentimental at times, but good in other parts.
[Show spoiler]This Blu-Ray is great; the picture does show some extremely fine film grain, a few white specks here and there, and some very faint scratches. Most of it is barely noticeable unless you really look for it; the image overall is extremely sharp and detailed, and darn near perfect. Chances are that the grain/noise may be in the director’s intent, as is the gray and dull colors. Sound quality is awesome.
PQ: 5/5, AQ: 5/5
I'm sure I watched this a few years ago, but I can't remeber anything from it, can't even remeber finishing it I think I'll have to get around to watching it sometime soon
Zodiac is going to have to wait, I got too addicted to L.A. Noire and now I'm close to the end when I wanted it to last longer, still going to finish off Godfather Part 2 tonight however, regardless
honest to god that was the first thought that came to mind. my heart sank like, seriously my whole world went dark and my heart shriveled up into a pile of broken Pringles. and once the moment passed where i thought, "nope. i'm just crazy. i'm just over-exaggerating" i was fine again.
I'm sure I watched this a few years ago, but I can't remeber anything from it, can't even remeber finishing it I think I'll have to get around to watching it sometime soon
Zodiac is going to have to wait, I got too addicted to L.A. Noire and now I'm close to the end when I wanted it to last longer, still going to finish off Godfather Part 2 tonight however, regardless
I enjoyed Pepper too. If you are a fan, see The Snow Walker (2003). He is fantastic in the lead role and the movie is superb and emotionally powerful.
He plays a racist A$$hole whos views on life change forever...
Barry Pepper stars in this survivalist adventure as cocky, hotheaded bush pilot Charlie Halliday, who agrees to transport a critically ill Inuit woman (Annabella Piugattuk) to a Yellowknife hospital during a routine stop on a supply run. The pair face dire consequences when their plane goes down in the Arctic tundra, leaving them marooned -- and facing the brutality of the looming northern winter.
Oooh, sounds like a winner.
If it's anything like "Alive," I predict the racial jerk eats the ill woman.
I'm sure I watched this a few years ago, but I can't remeber anything from it, can't even remeber finishing it I think I'll have to get around to watching it sometime soon
Zodiac is going to have to wait, I got too addicted to L.A. Noire and now I'm close to the end when I wanted it to last longer, still going to finish off Godfather Part 2 tonight however, regardless
Yep, "SPR" deserves a good refreshed viewing now and then.
Almost done with "LA Noire" already? Dang, you must've spent the whole week on that! I'll probably beat it by next year.
FYI: i love how we all sometimes get off topic and start talking about random things that really don't have anything to do with film. good thing Diesel changed the name of this thread to include the word "discussion" so we're not off topic... in a way...
FYI: i love how we all sometimes get off topic and start talking about random things that really don't have anything to do with film. good thing Diesel changed the name of this thread to include the word "discussion" so we're not off topic... in a way...
Shrek 1 - 4.5/5
Shrek 2 - 5/5
Shrek 3 - 4/5
Shrek 4 - 4/5
Hoping Puss in Boots delivers. Watching Sin City, definitely a 5/5 film.
So are The Rite, Gnomeo and Juliet or I am Number 4 any good? I want all of them but I would like some feedback on them first, also waiting for the Rite combo pack to drop a bit first, preferably to $15-.
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I think I'll have to get around to watching it sometime soon
, still going to finish off Godfather Part 2 tonight however, regardless
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