Saw the movie tonight at a special preview viewing in Albuquerque. I can't give "War Horse" much more than a 2.5 to 3.0 out of 4.0. Spielberg must have spent a bazillion bucks to make this movie and it's definitely underwhelming. The story itself is so unbelievable that perhaps it's not fair to criticize Spielberg for this product but I felt that I was watching something akin to "National Velvet Goes To War". I knew this was going to be a story not to be believed at all when the boy and "Joey" are attempting to plow a field for the first time and the field is just full of large rocks and stones. But, at the end of the scene the small field is perfectly plowed with the rich dark soil awaiting to be planted. One thing, what happened to all of that rock? Give me a break....it only gets more ridiculously unbelievable when poor Joey gets sent off to World War One. It was "the war to end all wars" but it didn't end for Joey until more crazy happenstance occurs that brings the horse back to the young man who originally raised the young animal and who plowed that rocky field. Much too hokey for me. When one attempts to intermingle sentimental horse scenes and light humored incidents with WWI battlefield scenes, it just falls flat for me. Spielberg will always make a highly professional flick but this is one that can be missed. I also thought that the movie might have been better if the Germans had spoken in German with available sub-titles, the same with possible French speaking scenes. When it was all in English it just made for more of a Walt Disney feel-good movie and not one that attempted to approach even a little bit of reality.
Review Rating: 0
NMark: Get over it! Most films are meant to be exactly what the majority of us expect....entertainment. You notice I said "majority" since there are a few like yourself that always have to run down an incredible story as "hokey" or "unrealistic." Why would you care what happened to the rocks in the field? Would it allow you sleep better at night if Mr. Spielberg had shown you where all the rocks and boulders went? As you pointed out Spielberg consistently makes exceptional films and this is one of his best. I'm thankful you were not sitting behind me in the theater with your running commentary. Asses like you always ruin a pleasant time for those within hearing distance of your diahrrea
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