Big Disappointment

Rating: 6/10 (8 November 2005)

I've been reading the member comments about Paths of Glory and I don't know why this film is so highly rated. It's filled with clichÃ©s, bad acting and one-dimensional characters. It's talky, and everyone seems to be rushing through their lines. Even the editing is sub-par. Some nice b&w photography, a few good lines and a couple of interesting set pieces are wasted in this predictable bore . As for its anti-war message, it's heavy handed and preachy. Dr. Strangelove is infinitely more effective. I find it astonishing to read comments claiming that this is one of Kubrick's best. It doesn't hold a candle to Strangelove, 2001, Clockwork Orange, etc. Second-rate Kubrick, at best.