Proved to be the most expensive comedy of all time with a budget exceeding $35 million when originally produced, the film was considered a flop when put up against Spielberg's other films. The depiction of Los Angeles in the chaotic days after the bombing of Pearl Harbor combines elements of fantasy and black humor--sometimes effectively.
OK, not all of the scenes work, but you have to give it to Spielberg. He really, really wants this movie to be funny. Like REALLY. The movie is literally dripping with ambition, so you have to give it credit for that.