a manipulative collection of war film cliches

Rating: 1/10 (29 December 1998)

The hype surrounding this film has been nothing short of ridiculous, since the film is nothing more than a host of hoary old war movie cliches slapped on a cornball plot that would have been right at home in the 50s. Total lack of character, particularly in Hanks' performance, which relies more on the viewer's perception of Hanks as an all-American guy rather than any kind of flesh and blood human. The film tries to have it both ways; war is horrible, but hey, we Americans are great and kick butt, especially against those Nazi scum. Total manipulation from a master; not that it would take much to root against the Nazis, but let's have it one way or the other: shades of gray, or black and white. Spielberg wants it both ways. And what about the cheap tactic of using the old veteran, who we later find out is Ryan, linking back to Tom Hanks' character? How about basic continuity, Steve? And the American flag at the beginning and end? It's as if Spielberg thinks the audience is too stupid to know which side to root for. One of the best movies ever made? Hardly. Not even a good movie, period...