Gladiator
is the marvel of modern technology. This is, I think, the best-ever
swords -and-sandals movie yet.
It's not a sequel. It takes off where the fall of the Roman Empire
leaves off, with an array of smashing costumes, defense armor,
and weapons.
It's fast, furious physical action. The heads roll, torsos bloodied,
and tigers maimed. What more could you ask for?
Don't wait for video--this should be seen on the big screen. |
Gladiator
is old-fashioned entertainment, a simple story told with grizzly
violence, with super special effects helping, not overwhelming,
the tale.
It's sort of a Ben Hur and Spartacus, without the Christians.
Savage, violent, and testosterone driven, it's a spectacle well
worth seeing. |
Hollywood hasn't attempted this type of
film since the 60s. The story is Roman history, with the center
based in part on real people and events.
Gladiator's lean and mean leading man Russell Crowe should
rocket from a character actor into one of the big major stars.
The picture is a simple general-to-
slave-to-gladiator three-act story, which would be more than
enough to sustain most summer fare, but the director and screenwriters
had loftier goals and piled on a few twisty subplots for your
enjoyment.
Gladiator is grittier and more authentic
than its stylized predecessors, with the old curly hair brushed
forward syndrome.
One screenwriter promises that within the
first five minutes you will have forgotten every Victor Mature
movie you have ever seen! |
