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Watching this director's cut, it's finally possible to see why the studio made Spielberg mercilessly hack up this comedy: it's a screaming movie (everyone screams a lot), and screaming movies do not need character development. So all those character-development scenes hit the cutting-room floor and, surprise, they were all critical to Spielberg's pace for the humor in this film. The screaming wasn't that funny then--and it still isn't--but what is funny are the reinserted development scenes, showcasing the now-evident sense of hysteria in the Los Angeles community, post-Pearl Harbor. A bunch of certified nitwits, and a few certified lunatics, act as if Tojo Hideki's entire Imperial force is just off the mainland. Actually, one Japanese submarine is, and it helps fuel the frenzy. John Belushi is Wild Bill Kelso, an insane fighter pilot, and Dan Aykroyd plays a conciliatory tank commander. Robert Stack's performance as General Stilwell, one of the best of the film, finally makes sense. Also fun for the numerous cameos, Spielberg's inside jokes, and John Williams's great score. --Keith Simanton
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1.0 out of 5 stars
Spielberg at His Worst!,
By
This review is from: 1941 (Widescreen Collector's Edition) (DVD)
I saw this many years ago, and decided to give it another chance. It was an education. What did I learn from this movie? Spielberg can not do comedy! I give it high marks for cinematography, sound, costumes, etc. - very Spielberg-like. But the story and the gross caricatures we must endure are not only amateurish - but also embarrassing! These characters try to be soooo funny, that they are painful to even watch. I had to fast-forward through many scenes. Ironically, this may have been a good movie if the director and writers had played it straight - depicting the serious angst that followed Pearl harbor. In this movie. Spielberg pays his respects to Jaws. The opening scene is obvious, with the naked girl in the water - yet he also resurrects two other actors from Jaws - Brody's wife and the mayor. I just watched it and only two funny scenes come to mind, 1 - the submarine crew finding the compass in the Cracker Jack box and, 2 - the Ferris wheel as a target and spinning into the ocean. Ned Beatty was the caricature that was somewhat believable (a true American protecting his turf) - even though inept, he was sincere and believable. Thank God someone took Spielberg to the side and told him never to do comedy again! Note: Spielberg's "Terminal" was a lighthearted tale that was believable - not a torture-fest of insipid caricatures like "1941" that goes on-and-on-and-on.
3.0 out of 5 stars
Animal House Goes To War -- Big Budget Comedy Noir,
By
This review is from: 1941 (VHS Tape)
Do not forget to remember that this is supposed to be SATIRE, otherwise you may find "1941" to be a rather crude, over-extended joke. With US military personnel more interested in "gettin' some" than in defending America, it becomes clear immeditately that priorities are considerably confused. Two of the lead characters in particular seem hormone-raged and obcessed with "scoring".Considered by many an overlooked Steven Spielberg Classic, I agree only with the technical aspects. Visually and acustically stunning, the macabre handling of serious historical subject matter and often repelling actions of bullies make this a less than "great comedy" for me. Viewing this film on the now-obsolete laser disc format was a visual treat, maily due to the lavish cinematography and brilliant score. Sadly, I do not intend to view this film a second time. For fans of the original SNL "not-ready-for-prime-time Players", their "involvement" is an added bonus. Not enough for me, sorry.***
4.0 out of 5 stars
Ahead of its time, but not one of Speilberg's best...,
By dvdtrkr (San Diego CA) - See all my reviews
This review is from: 1941 (Widescreen Collector's Edition) (DVD)
I had never seen the film in 1979, so I had an open mind about the film. I have to say that the worst thing that happened to this film is that Speilberg directed it and has his imprint all over the film, which should have been a darker comedy than it turned out to be. However, you wouldn't have had the cast that wound up being in the film (early appearances of Ackroyd, John Candy and Mickey Rourke in film, and Bob Zemeckis' first real break into film), a nod to Kurosawa (Toshiro Mifume is the sub captain), Speilberg's own "Duel", and to Kubrick (Slim Pickens from Dr. Strangelove shows up). Considering John Belushi did few films, it's worth having on that alone. The dance sequences and cinematography are definitely worth the awards they would wind up picking up. The film can overwhelm you a bit and confuse you, but that was the point. However, there's a lot in the film that can be applied in 2004, like Robert Stack's character (think Rumsfeld). Had Zemeckis had the pull to make what he envisioned it to be, it would have been a classic black comedy without a doubt,although in Europe it always has been.
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