Artsy war movie that would not end.....

Rating: 2/10 (2 June 2003)

Caught this film on tv and because I kept hoping it would get better, I watched the entire movie even though there were several times I wanted to shut the tv off. I think the only thing I found interesting were all the cameo appearances which is probably the real reason I watched it to the bitter end. Oh, and trying to catch scenes with Adrien Brody. After recently watching The Piano, I wanted to check out more of his acting. I had hoped to see more of him in the movie because he was billed near the top. Well, I was disappointed. I did not even notice if he had any speaking lines. The other characters probably would not let him get a word in edgewise. Blah, blah, blah. I know war is scary as hell and can cause mental instabilities, but I wish they would quit talking/screaming about it and just get to their objectives. I found the voice-overs extremely annoying and the flashbacks/dream-like sequences unnecessary.
I was disappointed because I was hoping for a shoot'em up war movie to get the adrenaline pumping. After the first five minutes, I was totally confused about the direction of this movie. I mean, is this a movie about frolicking with a bunch of natives during war time or are they gonna fight? When they finally made contact with the enemy, I did not even find the battle scenes very suspenseful. I also found the whole way this film was shot very annoying. I just did not "feel" the soldiers angst or fear. I have a feeling this movie was supposed to have an impact on my "psyche." Well, it did not. Watch South Pacific instead. At least with that movie you get some catchy tunes.