I went into Saving Private Ryan a bit skeptically. I had seen
trailers for it a couple of months ago, and had decided to see it
basically because the theatre I was going to wasn't showing Lethal
Weapon 4. Anyway, I went, bought a popcorn and soda, and settled in
for the nearly three hour long film. I expected that SPR would be
this summer's big blockbuster, the first to break the 200 million
mark, but that, like Titanic I would leave wishing I had
brought a spork with which to gouge out my eyes. I was right on
the first count, but I have to honestly say that SPR was probably
the most moving, complex, chaotic, and beautiful piece of art I
have ever seen.
I cannot simply refer to SPR as a movie, because it's not. It
is a masterpiece of sound and action, so well choreographed that it
looked completely chaotic. I cannot imagine what it was like,
working on this film, and I am sure that those involved will never
forget. The realistic battle scenes were awe-inspiring, I found
myself sitting gape-jawed for most of the film.
There are scenes during the first hour where the sound is cut off.
During this time (maybe two minutes) there was not a single sound
in the theatre. There was no drinking, there was no murmered talk, there
was just silence. This was the most unique movie-going experience I have
ever experienced, I daresay that SPR is probably going to remain in my top
five movies forever. I have never been so moved by a movie that I find myself
gushing. *blush*
I daresay the only bad thing about SPR is not really related to the
movie, but to my theatre. I got lost going to the bathroom. I also missed
seeing trailers (if they showed the trailers at your theatre, please let me
know)
Ok, lets wrap up this embarrassing worshipping review..
Highlights : Ted Danson! Wow. Also, Matt Damon doesn't show up until
the last hour..
Obligatory Warning : The fighting scenes are incredibly raw and intense.
This movie deserves it's R rating.
10 on the spiff-o-meter, I came twice and didn't even notice.
