Malicks comeback a dissapiontment

Rating: 6/10 (21 November 2002)

Three war movies were realesed in 1998.This one was supposed to be Malicks comeback after making the critacally acclaimed Badlands and being silent for 20 years.The other 2 are the much better Saving Private Ryan and an HBO movie titled When Trumpets Fade(Which is also Excellent).And this the most hyped up one just happens to be the worst.But im not saying its a bad movie.Im just comparing it with greatness.
The battle is Guadalcanal.In a poorly planned and boring intro featuring John Travolta we are introduced to the story.Then the battle starts.And while the battle scenes are good,not as realistic as Saving Private Ryan,but good,the movie cuts to dreamlike scenes of the past,in the states,and this is were it misses the mark.The scenes dont mean much and the 3 hour long movie could have cut them out.
After the major battle is over it is also a bore.The rest of the movie also could have been cut.This film was a big let down.But it can not be compared with Saving Private Ryan.They are two different movies.If you want to rent/buy a WW2 movie go with Saving Private Ryan, When Trumpets Fade, or A Midnight Clear.If youve seen all of those though rent this.
Overall:**1/2 out of a **** or 6 out of a 10