Flat and Uninspired

Rating: 5/10 (4 November 2005)

I agree with the initial reviewer that the cinematography and performances are solid. However, my praise must stop there.
Most strikingly, the pacing of this film is painfully slow, especially during the first hour which is wasted on needless exposition and setup. This would be tolerable if the film had more to say or show that had not been heard or seen already.
The first Gulf War could certainly be an engaging subject, especially juxtaposed against the current quagmire in Iraq, and the larger context of US foreign policy in the region.
The film is neither artistic, cerebral or entertaining. Although there are references to the The Deer Hunter and Apocalypse Now, it would be embarrassingly inappropriate to mention these films in the same breath. In fact, if I were to rate the film internally against these great works of art, I would have to score it closer to a 2 or 3. It is an unfortunate miss for an otherwise talented director.
Francis Ford Coppola, where are you when we need you?