Stodgy and old-fashioned

Rating: 7/10 (9 October 2015)

Predictable and somewhat plodding story-telling. Yes Spielberg/Hanks are fabulous, but nothing felt fresh or original, no surprises. Watching masters doing what they have done over and over, for many years is OK, but felt stale. It's a good story, well acted, directed and written, but lacked spark. The first 30 minutes or so seemed pointless. They make good use of period cars but that was about it. Anticipated Schindler's List, but got 1941, not great. There is a moral compass but the energy was flat. Something is missing, no excitement, no chemistry. The family scenes felt inauthentic, forced intimacies. Minimal exploration of interpersonal relationships, ineffective and emotionless. Overall, disappointing.