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Gods and Generals

Reviewed by Madelyn Miller

If you consider the viewing cost per minute, GODS AND GENERALS is a good deal. If you went to see it on a hot day, and wanted to sit someplace cool for 229 minutes, you might think it was worthwhile. But only if you expected entertainment.

But my overwhelming reaction to GODS AND GENERALS was that this seemed longer and more drawn out than the war. The Red Balloon, which was my previous contender for slowest movie, was fast-paced compared to this.

The movie did have action. Lots of people got killed. But after awhile, I could not even tell what side the troops were on. I must not have been the only one because the main character, Stonewall Jackson, was killed by his own men.

I am not the only person who thought this movie was too long. The reviewers on either side of me felt the same way. One fell asleep, the other went out and bought us hot dogs after two and a half hours.

To be fair, the review showing was done without intermissions. I was told there will be an intermission in regular showings. Good Idea.

Gods and Generals, the epic screen adaptation of Jeff Shaara's heralded best-selling novel, is a dramatic look back at the Civil War - America's bloodiest conflict, in which more than 620,000 lives were lost. A prequel to the acclaimed screen drama Gettysburg, also directed by Ron Maxwell, the film is based on events that are sweeping in scope and made all the more compelling by the human-scaled drama it depicts.

A moving portrayal of a nation divided, Gods and Generals begins in early 1861 and continues through 1863, climaxing with the stunning Battle of Chancellorsville. (Rated PG-13; 229 minutes).

IMPORTANT ADVICE BEFORE YOU SEE THIS MOVIE

Go to the bathroom. Four hours is a long time to wait.

Get enough snacks to survive. If you eat when you are bored, buy twice as many.

If you are not a churchgoer, bring your Bible so you can cross-reference the many Biblical references

Wear comfortable clothes. You may want to sleep.

If going with a companion, agree to leave early if you both hate it. If your companion won’t agree to that, see another movie

WHAT THEY COULD DO TO MAKE THIS MOVIE BETTER

Get a good editor for the screenplay and the film

Add a little sex to balance all the violence

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