I agree that Private Ryan is a bit too patriotic. However, I still think it is one of the best war films...well, certainly in the history of American cinema, and maybe of all time. Although, The Thin Red Line was a fine film, and did put more of an emphisis on characters, I think Private Ryan is equal to it in emotional depth, raising moral and philosofical issues against the brutality of war. 

I would agree that Spielberg needs to take more risks. With Schindler's List he proved that he was capable of shocking us. I just wish he would do it more often. He seems to have a great deal of sentiment when it comes to Hollywood film making. 