Re: dreck like the SPR?

However uneven SPR is, is it certainly not dreck. It has passages of stunning cinematography and the story line itself, though it certainly sags from time to time, is a splendid one. It might be worth noting that Spielberg did not actually write this screenplay, though it is hard to imagine a better cinematic execution of the material. The dialog is somewhat contrived, and the characterizations are somewhat rudimentary and stereotypical. But in what Spielberg film is this not the case? Notwithstanding these complaints, SPR packs a wollop, and many of its passages are truly sublime.

Jaws? A B-movie with a budget.
Duel? Is that the chase movie where the truck gives Dennis Weaver stiff acting competition? A well-done film student flick.
ET? Ersatz Disney.
Gremlins? A puppet show for 12 year old boys.
Raiders? Corny, obvious suspense almost totally beholden to the old matinee serials, and hardly done any better, except in the technical sense.
AI? I still can't forgive Spielberg for ruining what might have become Kubrick's crowning achievement had he lived to see the project through.
1941? Boring and pointless.
Emprire of the Sun? I fell asleep. What happens in the end?
Hook? Unwatchable.

So what's on the positive side of the ledger?

Color Purple? Excellent melodrama, but mere melodramas nonetheless.
Schindler? A superior outing in almost every way, and as good as Private Ryan in my estimation. Obvious in certain parts, and blatantly moralizing; but heartfelt, and priaseworthy for its seriousness of purpose.
Minority Report? An interesting, thought-provoking concoction. I think somewhat underrated. A bit too heavy on the computer animation, though. I felt like I was watching a cartoon, at times.

Just my opinions, folks.

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Follow Ups Full Thread

Topic - Let's rate Speilberg's top 5 - TomD 10:38:07 07/02/05 (18)

"Duel" was real good, especially for a newcomer doing it with no big bucks... - orejones 04:08:56 07/04/05 (1)

Re: Yeah! - patrickU 05:41:12 07/04/05 (0)

WotW certainly won't make it. I was getting bored with it. * - mr grits 21:33:17 07/02/05 (1)

Well, you're wrong on so many things, politically speaking, why not this too. - Audiophilander 09:18:01 07/04/05 (0)

Sorry, Dave, but an adult list would be more like: - tinear 11:20:15 07/02/05 (13)

No offense tinear, but I don't agree with either your conclusion or Tom's list. - Audiophilander 01:06:28 07/04/05 (0)

I would (if I had to...) take his childish stuff over his wholesale dreck like the SPR - Victor Khomenko 11:38:41 07/02/05 (4)

Re: dreck like the SPR? - halfnote 22:11:48 07/03/05 (3)

Re: Gremlins - PCL 07:45:40 07/04/05 (2)

Kurosawa is an artist... Spielberg is an untouchable. - Victor Khomenko 08:18:31 07/04/05 (1)

Do you mean to say... - PCL 17:26:11 07/04/05 (0)

Sorry, Tom (and Dave), gotcha mixed up...nt - tinear 11:21:13 07/02/05 (6)

Re: Pinot noir d`Oregon.....nt - patrickU 12:03:29 07/02/05 (5)

Hey, I'll send you a couple of best vintage - tinear 16:52:49 07/03/05 (4)

Re: I was only saying that .... - patrickU 05:37:32 07/04/05 (0)

How about two for me, and I carry one for Patrick? - Victor Khomenko 18:01:05 07/03/05 (2)

Re: Take care Tin, he may end with drinking all three on a long... - patrickU 05:39:05 07/04/05 (0)

Nope, one for you, two for Patrick. Of course, should - tinear 19:12:13 07/03/05 (0)

Follow Ups

Re: dreck like the SPR? - halfnote 22:11:48 07/03/05 (3)

Re: Gremlins - PCL 07:45:40 07/04/05 (2)

Kurosawa is an artist... Spielberg is an untouchable. - Victor Khomenko 08:18:31 07/04/05 (1)

Do you mean to say... - PCL 17:26:11 07/04/05 (0)

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