Spielberg's Epic Misfire

Rating: Null/10 (5 March 2004)

Spielberg's massive, bloated excuse for a comedy left me even colder on second viewing. (First viewing was its premiere back in '79) I love Spielberg, but Godalmighty! This film is about as funny as a death in the family. And I find it hard to believe that other commentators find it hilarious. To each his own, I guess.
But what depresses me is how one of the greatest film directors of all time blew an opportunity to really use the title 1941 as a vehicle for the fantastic events that took place that year.
What Spielberg should've done was discard Zemekis' dopey script and come up with a storyline that leads to the attack on Pearl Harbor AND its aftermath.
In between, he could've made references to Citizen Kane, Whirlaway (Triple Crown winning horse), DiMaggio's 56-game hitting streak, Ted Williams' .406 season, all those band leaders, Joe Louis' near defeat by Billy Conn, radio, and Roosevelt. And, in the process, create a compelling story.
Spielberg had his shot at making his own FROM HERE TO ETERNITY and blew it.