Childhood dreams realized.

Rating: 10/10 (18 March 2007)

Anybody remember Frazetta? When I was a boy in the fifties I thought the Greeks were the coolest warriors in the world. I used to draw them. I loved the Italian movies about them. I used to try to turn my friends on to them until 'AIRPLANE' spoiled it with "Do you like Gladiator movies?" As I sat in the theater watching this thing unfold, I nearly wept. The slow/fast vision of Leonides leading the push out of the ranks into the Persians almost made me shout out loud. The cinematography made me feel I was watching a movie painted by Frazetta. I am amazed how many of my friends no nothing about the the historical battle and ask things like "Was the Persian king gay?" I tell them that the movie is pure fantasy and just the best realized comic book ever made. Made by people who obviously have the same love of the legend that I have. One of the most enjoyable cinema experiences of my long movie going life.