Cheesy Bits But Still Harrowing

Rating: 8/10 (12 February 2013)

A lot of people on here are calling this the worst movie ever but it is far from it. Spielberg isn't trying to make a perfect, plot-hole free movie, he is trying to make a big budget summer blockbuster, and compared to other blockbusters, this ranks up at the top. While the I'm-a-bad-father plot does get a bit annoying at times and the ending feels rushed, the middle portions, especially the basement scene with Tim Robbins, are harrowing and filmed with a kind of intensity you don't get from other blockbusters like this. The f/x are spectacular, the acting is much better than expected and several scenes are harrowing and keep you glued to the screen. Plot holes are everywhere, but they are easy to miss if you just sit back and enjoy the ride, which is all Spielberg wanted you to do.