A triumph for Spielberg, Hanks

Rating: Null/10 (2 January 1999)

Steven Spielberg has outdone himself with this one. It became one of my favorites the very first time I saw it. Its plot and characterization are thin, and I dislike the sappy ending. But the combat sequences may be the greatest ever filmed, and Tom Hanks's work is a revelation. Hanks made his name as a boyish comic actor, but in recent years he's developed a remarkable presence. As Capt. John Miller, his quiet dignity carries "Ryan" in a commanding yet understated performance. Despite its flaws, "Saving Private Ryan" is a triumph. People will remember it for years to come.