On your list of 2012 resolutions, See War Horse

Do yourself a favor. Buy a ticket to War Horse. You know you want to, in spite of the fact that it’s based on a children’s novel by Michael Morpurgo and from what you hear is barely gritty enough to have earned its PG-13 rating.

I gave in today, with no expectations beyond a hope for a decent treatment of a genre that has always been a literary and film draw for me – Paths of Glory, All Quiet on the Western Front, Gallipoli, To End All Wars and way more – and now I can’t wait until I can share a bucket of popcorn with my grandkids and see War Horse again for the umpteenth time. Especially with the lessons learned, since director Steven Spielberg didn't flinch from the cruelty and futility of war, and even PTSD, as these issues are woven with dignity throughout a well-crafted subplot.  
  

As one dog person and animal lover to another, just trust me. This adventure story, with a terrific cast, a John Williams score and photography by Janusz Kaminski, is the total package. It will also be best to settle back in your theater seat, as close to the screen as your movie-viewing dignity will allow – you just might have to go by yourself to pull that off – and watch Spielberg's Golden Globe nominated film. You’ve been waiting for a potentially classic period piece like this since Saving Private Ryan. And when the credits roll, you'll be applauding with everyone else, after first wiping your eyes.