Not all bad, but not great, either

Rating: 5/10 (24 December 2010)

1941 is Steven Spielberg's take on comedy thrust upon the war nerves experienced by Californians following the first few days after the bombing of Pearl Harbor. This brings in an all-star comedy cast to deliver the fast and furious jokes that are almost non-stop. Unfortunately, the movie falls short of either comedic masterpiece, or cohesive storytelling. This is not to say the movie was a total washout, because there are some very funny moments, but that is not enough to save 1941 from itself. The all-star cast includes Tim Matheson, John Belushi, Dan Akroyd, Nancy Allen, Bobby DiCicco, Treat Williams, John Candy, Robert Stack and a slew of other Hollywood legends. The movie's comedy does work in many instances. One of the best scenarios developed well was Murray Hamilton trapped on a Ferris Wheel with Eddie Deezen and a dummy. Another was the tank group under the command of Sgt. Frank Trees played by Dan Akroyd. Probably the best was John Belushi as Wild Bill Kelso, a dimwitted Army Air Corpse pilot looking for Japanese in his P40 Tomahawk. And of course, there is a lost Japanese Submarine that wants to inflict damage on Hollywood. There are good performances, too. Belush is genius, conveying the lunacy and determination of someone who isn't all there. The communication in his eyes, and the way he thrust himself into the role is fantastic. Tim Matheson pulls off a great job, too, being a guy who wants to score with Nancy Allen on a plane. However, the comedy and performances are for naught. For the most part, the plot is too scattered and not focused. Let's see, Wally wants to dance with Betty, while Treat Williams tries to steal her away. Matheson is the horny guy who wants to score with Nancy Allen who has planes on the brain. A Japanese Submarine is lost while two guys are stuck in a Ferris Wheel and a tank team is trying to suppress a riot. Just who is the main character? There is no focus or cohesion to this story. It finally comes together towards the end, but it is too late for the lost audience who has to follow too many story lines. The other problem is the comedy, that does misfire. Spielberg gives us too many close-up shots of people screaming and yelling, somehow thinking this is funny. Moreover, the destruction is so overblown it becomes boring. Does Dan Akroyd have to shoot out every light? Again, this is not a total washout. It does have it's moments. Unfortunately, 1941 is one that is hard to fully dis, or fully recommend.