Weak script, completely carried by its cinematography and pomp

Rating: 6/10 (7 February 2020)

So, the historical war dramas have finally got their first entry that can truly be described as a blockbuster format. All flair, no substance.
The movie relies entirely on its ability to keep you glued to the screen regardless of the weak characters, the plot holes and the leaps in logic the movie gleefully undertakes for the sake of moving the story towards its underwhelming conclusion.
Deus ex Machinas? Check, every 30 minutes or so. Redshirts? Check. Stormtroopers as enemies? Check. Flat dialogue and unreasonable statements? Check and check. Even cheesy one-liners make an appearance.
On the plus side, the movie is shot beautifully. The faux long take really works and makes you feel like you can't get your eyes off the screen lest you miss some important detail. The CGI is not top of the pops, but it certainly does the job. The score is great too, keeping the tension high when necessary and jerking a few tears (or at least attempting to) when it can.
Still, in the realm of blockbusters 1917 still has some ways to go. I dare say Avengers: Infinity War is a vastly superior movie in pretty much every regard. And don't let the setting of 1917 fool you - it is a blockbuster, not a period drama. Ask yourself: if it was set during an alien invasion in 2117, but with the same themes, same plot, same characters and events, would you see it in a different light? You'd probably see it as a mediocre blockbuster with cool cinematography, and that's precisely what this film is.