For being a captivating story, the movie was boring

Rating: 6/10 (30 May 2002)

I was somewhat familiar with US activities in Somalia before watching this movie, so I was ready to enjoy it as a historical drama. However, I found myself to be bored throughout this film.
First, and perhaps most importantly, I just didn't care about the characters. By the end of the film, I couldn't tell you what their names were; only who the actors were that played them. In short, I didn't care if they lived or died. Sure, as an American, I didn't want to see the soldiers die, but as a moviegoer, I didn't buy into it.
Second, I was disappointed by the lack of any cohesive story going through. Being familiar with the history of the event, I knew what the overall goals were for each team that was on the ground and in the air, but my friend who was watching it with me was totally confused throughout the movie. Perhaps this was done to portray the "fog of war," but to my friend, it looked like the whole movie was a bunch of people shooting for no reason, and going nowhere.
Finally, why did they not elaborate on and finish the story of Durant, the helicopter pilot who was captured by the Somali's? It could have made for incredible drama.
In short: maybe worth a rental, but don't expect much. As far as good war movie go, try Patton, Saving Private Ryan, Platoon, The Great Escape, and The Best Years of our Lives.