My $.02

Rating: Null/10 (8 February 1999)

Too much American patriotism? With all due respect, too bad! It's an American film, and I see no reason to be apologetic about pride in one's country. The fact is that the United States was the primary reason why everyone in Europe isn't speaking German and saluting a flag with a swastika on it. As much as that might tick you off, it's the truth. Sure the characters could've been Canadian or British, but again, it's an American film.
Too boring after the initial war scene? Uh, can you say story and character development? This was not necessarily meant to be an action drama, so if that's what you were looking for, then I can see how you'd be a bit disappointed. However, each "boring" scene DID have a purpose. The deaths of Wade and Caparzo were important to the underlying "needs of the many, outweight the needs of the few" theme. Otherwise, the end point would have less impact. I can see how one might feel it seemed slow after the Omaha beach scene, but it's up to the viewer to switch gears at that point and get down to the business of watching a story unfold. If you want more explosions and blood, watch Platoon or Full Metal Jacket or Hamburger Hill.
Best movie ever? Pretty close to it, IMO. I think Spielberg could've spent a little time adding a human face to the German army (as Malick did for the Japanese in Thin Red Line) rather than treating them all like monsters. But after seeing Schindlers List, I understand his reluctance to do so.