Three, Three, Three Films in One

Rating: 3/10 (17 August 2001)

No doubt about it, the landing on Omaha beach is great stylistic filmmaking. Succeeds in conveying the violence and randomness of war. After that 25 minutes, however, the film quickly falls into an episode of "Combat," alas, without Vic Morrow. Tom Hanks' dead serious expressions bring more to the material than is there. Then for the final hunk, as they attempt to hold a bridge, John Williams' score even changes to be vaguely reminiscent of an Indiana Jones action sequence. Sorry to say it, but in my book this isn't close to Spielberg's World War II masterpiece "Schindler's List." It's three films tacked together and then marketed as if it were our solemn duty to the memories of those who served in the Armed Forces to watch it. Well, I've watched it, and feel it does their memories a disservice.
There's far superior war films - "Patton," "Battleground," "The Longest Day," "Twelve O'Clock High," "The Bridge on the River Kwai" to name a few - to turn to for emotionally gripping accounts.
Also, if you get the chance, watch the pilot episode of "Combat." Saunders (Morrow) first survives landing on Omaha Beach then needs to take his squad to secure a bridge and encounters a German Tiger Tank. Don't watch because the TV show is an accurate portrayal of history - it isn't - watch to see the similarities to the action plot points in "Ryan."