This is a madcap, overcooked farce from Spielberg set five days after the Pearl Harbor bombings. The story is set in Hollywood amidst mass chaos when it’s believed a Japanese submarine is about to attack L.A.
The period detail and production design are impeccable and a huge ensemble cast deliver enthusiastic performances. The film, on a whole however, just doesn’t work.
The gags are weak and the frenetic atmosphere is more tiring than funny; arguably Spielberg's worst (it's close call between this and HOOK).