just bullets, not much of a story

Rating: Null/10 (3 October 2003)

This movie was OK, but certainly lacking when it comes to a plot. And the war action was not up to par with recent films. We mainly see bullets and explosions. Not a lot of blood or gore. The war scenes in We Were Soldiers were so much better.
There is no depth to the story. We never learn much about Nic Cage's character, Joe and what makes him the way he is. We learn a little more about the Navajo, Ben, who Joe is assigned to protect. And the whole movie is about this Navajo secret code. Well, we hardly even see the 2 Navajo's in this movie even use it. If they played such an important role in the Pacific, the code should have been emphasized more. The plot just seemed like a lazy excuse to film a war movie.
And I also have to say something about the musical score. Basically, it was awful. It was so uninspiring and added nothing to the battle scenes. It was boring and just didn't fit. The Navajo flute was the only good music.
FINAL VERDICT: One of the worst war movies in recent years. Of course, it isn't as bad as Pearl Harbor, but no where near the greatness of Saving Private Ryan. Considering the battle scenes aren't that good, I don't recommend it, even if you really like war movies, because you will be disappointed.