Spike Lee's Da 5 BLOODS - Hemorrhages from Social Commentary to Absurdity

Spike Lee always has a lot to say, artistically, politically and presciently.  Da 5 BLOODS just released is a pastiche of political inequities, wars' inhumanities & an absurdity that discredits its gravitas as an artistic achievement of social significance.  The film is a disappointing bomb.  Full disclosure:  I didn't watch the entire 2 1/2+ hours.  Spike lost me at the destination of the untimely & gruesome death of one of da 5 bloods from a land mine detonation.  The film does make affective use of unforgettable archival footage of civil unrest, Vietnam protests and Vietnam newsreels & photos which leave a profound impact.  In fact, clip's from Lee's "prologue" are a must see for those who were born after this era and viewed again by those alive during this time.  The movie reunites 4 former, black Vietnam Vets in Vietnam.  The 5th Norman (the incomparable Chadwick Boseman "The Black Panther") is present in spirit & flashback.  Norman was a squadron leader, revered by the 4 blackmen in his unit.  The returning vets are there to reconnect & carry-out their promise to recover the remains of "Stormin Norman", or so it seems.  The 4 older but not altogether wiser group consist of a 4-star team of actors.  Paul (Delroy Lindo) is the vet most obviously suffering from PTS.  His son, David (Jonathan Majors, "Last Blackman in SF") surprises his father but his presence is not initially warmly received.  Otis (a superb Clark Peters "Harriet") appears the most level headed and emotional focus for the group.  Eddie (Jonathan Majors, Tony Musical winner) is the charismatic charmer whose life isn't all as it first appears.  Majors has incredible acting chops sadly his singing talents weren't put to use and unfortunately, his demise put the final nail in the coffin for watchin the remaining hour.  The convoluted film packs in an unbeknownst daughter left behind, star crossed lovers and humor that lands like a grenade.  David inveigles his way into his father's group of 4 on their covert mission which is much more than just recovering Norman's remains.  The film is also a senior caper of uncovering buried treasure.  David strikes gold when he goes to unload which is even crappier than it sounds.  Still, some very affecting scenes, mostly in flashback with Norman and his troop during their tour of duty are arresting, especially compounded with the violence & social unrest back home.  Lee is a genius.  Hi body of work will be a legacy to filmmaking and social awakening.  Regardless, no one bats a 1,000.  The Knicks have had a lengthy losing streak.  And, Da 5 BLOODS is a misses the target.