Nothing to rave about.

Rating: 3/10 (25 December 2014)

There is nothing original about this movie. It merely takes scenes from other movies to extremes. I saw bits and pieces of Bridge Over the River Kwai, Cast Away and of course American Graffiti -- the standard way to end a so-so movie in Hollywood is to have a 1 minute summary of their characters lives. It might have been unique and satisfying at one time -- but it's not in this case.
Standing on its own as a movie - apart from the book -- it is an OK movie but nothing great. But if you compare the movie with the book, it sadly missed the mark. The book is inspirational -- and the most fascinating part of the book was the post-war years. Instead, the movies focuses (perhaps over-focuses) on the WW II aspects of the book. Perhaps Ms. Jolie-Pitt will decide to make a sequel that really gets to the meat of the story.
In the meantime -- save your money -- this is truly a rental.