First in a series of many. I watch old movies for the first time and review them.
Gladiator
This movie has always been highly spoken of over the 8 years since its release..but I've never sat down and watched it..until now.
It should be noted that I watched the extended edition for this review.
First off, the opening sequence was portrayed superbly. The use of flames as a backdrop to the battle caught the eye. The movie then went through a very slow section which was a bit of a chore but ended in the shocking scene of Maximus' wife and son murdered.
I thought Russell Crowe played Maximus superbly and I am now a fan of Crowe's as an actor. He thouroughly deserved the Oscar. Joaquin Pheonix deserves a mention, as Commodus was played very well.
The whole section of Maximus becoming the hero in the arena seemed rushed but maybe necessary to move the story along.
I felt the ending very emotional but Maximus seemed to die very quickly, which was a bit unbelievable. The spiritual side of the movie was something I wasnt expecting but handled well.
One final note..the score was absolutely amazing and the highlight of the whole movie.
Overall..impressive movie, but not quite enough to make it into my all time fave list.
8/10
Gladiator
This movie has always been highly spoken of over the 8 years since its release..but I've never sat down and watched it..until now.
It should be noted that I watched the extended edition for this review.
First off, the opening sequence was portrayed superbly. The use of flames as a backdrop to the battle caught the eye. The movie then went through a very slow section which was a bit of a chore but ended in the shocking scene of Maximus' wife and son murdered.
I thought Russell Crowe played Maximus superbly and I am now a fan of Crowe's as an actor. He thouroughly deserved the Oscar. Joaquin Pheonix deserves a mention, as Commodus was played very well.
The whole section of Maximus becoming the hero in the arena seemed rushed but maybe necessary to move the story along.
I felt the ending very emotional but Maximus seemed to die very quickly, which was a bit unbelievable. The spiritual side of the movie was something I wasnt expecting but handled well.
One final note..the score was absolutely amazing and the highlight of the whole movie.
Overall..impressive movie, but not quite enough to make it into my all time fave list.
8/10