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Popcorn Reviews
With Cybèle: Saving Private Ryan
By Cybèle Elaine Werts
CybeleW@aol.com
First published in the Shelburne
News, Shelburne Vermont
Popcorn Kernel Rating: 2.5 kernels - If
you like war films you will love this one. If you don’t, well,
there isn’t much else to keep you in your seat other than the
opportunity to see Tom Hanks in a wholly new role.
First a disclaimer - I never got war movies. I
don’t understand what’s happening, not to mention all the
"in" words, and the jarring action sequences. I went
to see Saving Private Ryan anyway because I figured Steven
Spielberg could make it make sense to me. He didn’t. That
being said, here’s what this movie will do for you. It is
everything a Spielberg movie should be: strong on characters and
plot, and a tightly knit story. The story follows Captain Miller
(Tom Hanks) and his eight-man team as they traverse Europe
trying to locate Private Ryan, the last surviving son of four,
the other three having already died in action. If you are a
veteran, a Spielberg fan, or trembling with testosterone, go see
it! You won’t be disappointed.
As for me, it was pretty much a fog. Not the
five hanky film I’d been prepared for, but nevertheless
sporting some moments of intense quiet. The first was when
Captain Miller finds a way to stop one of his team from shooting
another. His quiet confidence and awareness of the inner spirit
was beautiful to watch. In fact, it’s Hanks that makes this
film. He is the human soul in what would be the last war where
bad guys were easily identifiable by their black hats. It is his
philosophic voice and fears that ran through my head hours after
the movie ended. Matt Damon improves on his role from Good Will
Hunting with a subtle and solid performance. The other moment
that stopped my heart in mid-beat was when one of our team was
stabbed by a nazi soldier. Slowly so slowly, so close to me. I
could feel it all the way through. So will you.
Suggested Gustatorial Accompaniment: It’s
hard to eat with very real scenes of dying soldiers crossing
your eyes, but nevertheless I snacked on a bag of dry roasted
salted peanuts. I figure protein is just the thing for long
journeys and questions of the soul.
Copyright 2000
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