With "War Horse," Spielberg fashioned a grand epic that features a very on the nose homage to Selznick's "Gone with the Wind" and a few tip of the hats to classic John Ford. Anyone who hoped Spielberg would revisit the first 15 minutes of "Saving Private Ryan" in a "Great War" setting was severely disappointed.  Instead, Spielberg's traditional broad sensibility comes into focus in a PG-rated picture that tugs on the heartstrings while trying to convey much of the danger of war and yet avoiding the horrific nature of it.  Spielberg actually creates some impressive visual motifs to accomplish this, muting what could have been a very bloody saga at times. "War Horse" was nominated for six Academy Awards including best picture.

- Gregory Ellwood