Gladiator (2000)

Gladiator 

Another Hollywood wannabe epic film made mostly for the sake of wooing Oscar voters with its classic story of eternal love and quest for vengeance.

It's a guy movie and a chick flick at the same time. It has many exciting and bloody battle scenes which service the plot about a Roman war general named Maximus (Russell Crowe) who was about to become the next leader of the great empire until heir-apparent Commodus (Joaquin Phoenix) has him removed. Commodus becomes an arrogant, selfish emperor who uses his power to service his own desires instead of doing what's good for Rome.

At 150 minutes the film is a bit overlong but at least its story is full of detail so pay close attention. The basic plot is familiar and very Shakespearean, but the gladiator life Maximus finds himself trapped in is the most interesting aspect of the film. Not as good as "Spartacus" or "Braveheart" but it's a fine effort.

GRADE: B 

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