That's not to say it isn't an unstoppable Oscar giant, because it is. But it's also too long, too unfocused, too scattered and too structurally insecure.

Adam Beach is a real find, gets his scene upon which an Oscar campaign will be built - but I'm not sure he has the goods to go all the way. Never say never, though.

The film takes obvious leads from "Saving Private Ryan," but also finds room to set its own rules in the midst of combat sequences. Sometimes this comes at the risk of storytelling, I must say.

More either on Monday or over the weekend with the full review.