As an anti-war film it's second only to Dr Strangelove

Rating: 8/10 (2 June 2005)

This film is excellent. Its all about the insanity of war, the insanity of realising its insane and the insanity of trying to do something about it. The film opens with one of the greatest shots in any film I've ever seen, featuring Yussarian, the main character, having a conversation with 2 people who are at that point unknown. While this is happening a whole squadron of planes is taking off. Its a continuous shot, goes on for about 2-3 minutes and is just....well, it's great. And don't worry, you aren't supposed to hear the dialogue.
The film starts and ends brilliantly, but there is kind of a trough in the middle. Although even this trough has moments of utter brilliance, mainly featuring Yussarian's nakedness (not that I like that kinda thing...) and low flying planes. Not together. That would be disastrous.
I would be tempted to say that this is better than Dr Strangelove as an anti war film, but Strangelove doesn't have that dip in the middle. However, at the best moments of each film (in this case the explanation of Catch 22 and the somewhat crazy ending) I'd say this is better. And I can't really think of higher praise than that.