Miracle at St. Anna focuses on a group of four African-American solders holed-up in an Italian village during World War II and charged with the mission of capturing a Nazi spy. They are led by Aubrey Stamps (Derek Luke), an idealist who believes that by doing their duty in the war, African-Americans will be able to win the same rights as whites. However, the rest of his group doesn't see things in quite the same way. Hector Negron (Laz Alonso) is dedicated to the mission, but doesn't hold the same high hopes as Stamps. Meanwhile, Sam Train (Omar Benson Millar) is preoccupied with a young Italian boy he rescues, while Bishop Cummings (Michael Ealy) is concerned with wooing a local Italian woman. These opposing viewpoints eventually lead to tension within the group, leading to a showdown with Nazi soldiers and the local resistance.

Framing this tale is a murder mystery involving Hector, who shoots someone who at first appears to be an innocent customer buying stamps. The answer to the mystery is supposed to be revealed as the war story unfolds, though the technique doesn't work. This highlights one of the film's major issues - it's too bulky. Rather than tell the story of a group of African-American soldiers - which according to Director Spike Lee was the reason for making the film - the movie instead places more focus on doling out messages. White officers are portrayed as uncaring and show little regard for their black compatriots. While I'm sure there is some truth to this, I'm also sure the issue wasn't as bleak as the film makes it seem. Not only does this remove some of the film's impact, but it undermines the film's core message.

Surprisingly enough, this message is better heard (and seen) in "The Buffalo Soldier Experience," a documentary that features interviews with Buffalo Soldier veterans. I got a better feel for their experience through this short twenty-minute documentary than I did during the nearly three-hour long movie.

Aside from the documentary, the other extras are lackluster. "Deeds not Words" is a roundtable discussion with four WWII veterans, Spike Lee and screenwriter James McBride. This feature is at its best when the veterans tell their stories.

Miracle at St. Anna is just an okay war movie. When it sticks to the story, it's an enjoyable movie. However, story seems to come second to the multiple messages, resulting in a bulky, cumbersome movie.