When this movie begins, you see that seven young friends from the desolate portion of Texas are heading east to join up with the Texan Army of the Confederacy. Along the way, they have all sorts of problems and adventures and eventually they realize two things: war is NOT fun and the Southern way of life isn't always great...especially if you are a black person. While all this sounds VERY naive, I suppose a few of the Confederate troops MIGHT have been this naive...though sure not many!
The main idea of this film isn't bad, though the execution, at times, is. I particularly hated the opening and closing songs. While they did set the stage for the film and explained each character, they also seemed dated and silly. Paul Petersen seemed miscast and odd as 'the tough guy'! At other times, the film just seemed like it was done without much regard to real history. For example, a bit of research at the time would have let the filmmakers know that the song "The Blue Danube" was written a year AFTER the war ended AND the first belly dancers came to America in the 1890s...but both are present in the film. Most probably won't notice these problems...but it's still a bit sloppy.
As to what I liked about the film, there are three things. First, the story is unique and, at times, interesting. Second, it was a nice chance to see a few familiar faces when they were unknowns...such as Harrison Ford and Michael Sarrazin. Third, it reinforces the sane notion that war sucks and people die...something omitted from too many war films.
Overall, it's a mixed bag. Worth seeing but far from a must-see.
The main idea of this film isn't bad, though the execution, at times, is. I particularly hated the opening and closing songs. While they did set the stage for the film and explained each character, they also seemed dated and silly. Paul Petersen seemed miscast and odd as 'the tough guy'! At other times, the film just seemed like it was done without much regard to real history. For example, a bit of research at the time would have let the filmmakers know that the song "The Blue Danube" was written a year AFTER the war ended AND the first belly dancers came to America in the 1890s...but both are present in the film. Most probably won't notice these problems...but it's still a bit sloppy.
As to what I liked about the film, there are three things. First, the story is unique and, at times, interesting. Second, it was a nice chance to see a few familiar faces when they were unknowns...such as Harrison Ford and Michael Sarrazin. Third, it reinforces the sane notion that war sucks and people die...something omitted from too many war films.
Overall, it's a mixed bag. Worth seeing but far from a must-see.