Arguably Scott's best...

Rating: Null/10 (26 January 2002)

...but that's not saying a lot. This is the first movie he's ever made that's gotten any emotional response out of me. That was in the middle of the movie, when real-life tragedies (both Somali and American) were depicted. It's hard not to get a response out of that. The end was typical _cinematic_ tragedy brought upon us by the Scott brothers. Scott had to get in his slow motion overdramatic stuff, with kids running through the smoke of the battle and whatnot. Whatever.
But I will say that the Scott Bros. discovery and subsequent overuse of the long lens beginning sometime around 1985 was truly a benefit to this movie. War movies shot with a wide lens just don't work very well. Most of Ridley's new additions to his bag of tricks are direct lifts from other recent war efforts such as "Saving Private Ryan." There's one awkward editing moment that plays like something out of a bad music video -- when you see it, you'll know what I'm talking about.
The beginning focused on introducing us to the characters, who then promptly disappeared into a cloud of smoke. Josh and Ewan are among the few that are recognizable, but only since they're such big stars. I find it impossible to believe I'm saying this, but even MICHAEL BAY developed characters better in "Pearl Harbor."
On a casting note, I was very impressed with Eric Bana in this movie. Can't wait to see what he does as Bruce Banner.