Good Spielberg

Rating: 10/10 (11 September 2004)

This is Spielberg when he is good, which kicks the ass of most people working in Hollywood today at their best. Just like the saying that even bad Hitchcock is better than most other's best. I am amazed how people just can't relax and enjoy a decent film these days, judging by the reviews here. There is nothing in this film that is less than good. The acting is excellent and Spielberg's direction is effortless and undistracting. Except for a few over the top transitions and cuts the flow and blocking of scenes is the very definition of understated excellence. Can't anyone appreciate this anymore because it is in fact quite rare. Very few Directors have this much assurance in technique and it should be savored. Instead of going out of his way to show us how visually good he is, he can just relax and let his talent shine without making a big deal out of it. It's a pleasure to watch just for that alone.