A Brave Attempt

Rating: 9/10 (28 August 2019)

In fairness to Mike Nicolls Catch 22 the book is almost impossible to film, George Clooney certainly missed the mark by a long chalk. There are so many characters interwoven together in the, somewhat brilliant, shambolic text that they can never be portrayed on the screen. However I think the script writers and director did the best that they could with the most significant characters, Yossarian, Milo, Nately and McWatt (minor error with who he chopped up with his plane, not Hungry Joe).
The cast are well suited to the characters, especially Bob Newhart who excels, albeit briefly, as Major Major Major and I love Alan Arkin in just about everything I've seen him in (especially 'The In laws', fab film.) Art Garfunkel? Hmm not so good but
After the debacle of the Clooney series (there were a few good bits though) I had to read the book again and have just re watched this film. I have taken one star off because it isn't quite prefect but as pretty damn close as you can get without making at least a ten hour mini (ten hours mini?) series.
If you've never read the book this film will confuse you and you'll probably rate it down so read the book and revisit this classic of the cinema and forgive it for missing out so much.