A total mess

Rating: 1/10 (2 June 2006)

This is one of the worst movies I have ever seen. Flimsy production values, flat color without any texture, poor sound recording (some of the dialogue cannot be understood at all), dreadful writing, no pace, strange gaps of storyline, no sympathetic characters (that "dysfuncional family" subplot is just unnecessary)...not to mention Cruise's two-tone acting: flat or manically screaming. To think that Spielberg directed this mess.
The contrast with the 1953 version (not to speak of the novel) is incredible. The DeMille/Pal version has focus, a clear storyline, characters you care about, even better special effects than this. The novel is detailed, vivid and profound.
Stick with the 1953 film, or, better, read the novel.