Keaton considered this his best movie, but it was a financial and critical disappointment at the time. While its reputation has increased considerably, I find myself in agreement with the original reviewers. It's a well-made big-budget movie, but it's not Keaton's funniest by far.
The movie deftly combines action and comedy, and there are some suspenseful moments amidst the slapstick. Keaton's physical skill is remarkable, although at times this made his gags more impressive than funny.
The movie is pretty solid, but it lags towards the end as it gets into big war scenes that sometimes overwhelm the drama. It also made the movie less sympathetic; I can cheer for the little engineer more easily than I can cheer the Confederate army.
Anyway, a good movie, but not nearly my favorite Keaton.
The movie deftly combines action and comedy, and there are some suspenseful moments amidst the slapstick. Keaton's physical skill is remarkable, although at times this made his gags more impressive than funny.
The movie is pretty solid, but it lags towards the end as it gets into big war scenes that sometimes overwhelm the drama. It also made the movie less sympathetic; I can cheer for the little engineer more easily than I can cheer the Confederate army.
Anyway, a good movie, but not nearly my favorite Keaton.