Re: Ranking Spielberg
I agree with much of the OP, with just a few exceptions.
I thought War of the Worlds was absolutely terrible. But I thought AI was pretty good, though it was kind of depressing. AI was originally a Kubrick project and it really does have kind of sterile, Kubrick feel to it.
Minority Report has a somewhat similar flavor in mood, but is much more fun.
The only problem I have with Spielberg is that he just can't often can't resist that extra manipulative, somewhat obvious heart-tugging scene. As terrific as Schindler's List was, I really dislike the scene where Oskar laments not selling his watch. Similarly, I loved Private Ryan, but could have done without the scene where Ryan tearfully asks whether he was worthy by the cemetary.
On the other hand, I enjoyed The Color Purple and Empire of the Sun more than Dom did, I think.
And Spielberg really should get more credit for his range. Not many directors can handle adventure, drama and comedy as equally well, as he can.
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