"May Jehovah judge between you and me." ~ 1 Samuel 24:12

Rating: Null/10 (27 January 2008)

From a Christian viewpoint, Crowe & Bale do not offer any Faith-based acting values, or three-dimensional spiritual character portrayals. Crowe hasn't performed in a half-decent role, reflecting conflicting moral values since 'LA Confidential.' 'Gladiator' was a pseudo-moral conflict from the very beginning scene. As to Bale, his recent arrest for domestic abuse against his mother and sister, and his on-set rant against a Lighting Grip on "Terminator: Salvation" speak volumes about how misguided he is not just as a professional actor, but as a human being (God-fearing or not). In my humble opinion, Crowe and Bales are H'wood stars whose acting choices are driven by very bankable massive egos, self-idolatry & the mortal temptation to serve fame. They've cut their deals w/ the Devil and it reflects in their disappointing acting choices. I pray they repent, accept Jesus, and choose roles that seek rewards not handed out by the Academy of Motion Picture Sciences.
That aside, this is a passable remake. The screenplay writing, location selections, production design, supporting roles, and direction work. It's just that Crowe's 'I'm playing yet-another-variation of my everyone's-seen-it, bad-tempered, tantrum-throwing self' (thank God this film didn't have a scene in a hotel w/ his character wanting to place an overseas telephone call), and Bale's 'I'm due on the Batman set soon blank stares' ruin the entire effort put forth by the film's commendable production team. It's two hours hours of watching vain egos at combat with one another. There's no performances from either Crowe or Bale. The ending shot of the train with the landscape beyond it is visual magic and the director of photography deserves favorable mention.