Another Classical Disappointment (Spoilers)

Rating: 5/10 (3 December 2004)

It was with some reluctance that I went to see this movie, but I let myself be persuaded. I should have listened to my instincts.
The best to be said about this is that it's better than the ghastly "Troy" from earlier this year. Also, I was pleased to see it deal, however hesitantly, with the vexed question of Alexander the Great's eclectic sexuality.
The first 80 minutes aren't bad and include an excellent battle scene. Unfortunately, the thing then grinds to a halt, with the audience being left to drown in a sea of pompous speechifying (the climactic speech by Alexander in India is particularly excruciating), dull photography, unmemorable music and creaky acting. The least bad performance was that of Jared Leto as Hephaistion, Alexander's male love interest. It's best to draw a discreet veil over the rest of them, including Colin Farrell in the title role.
If you haven't seen this already, my advice is that you wait until the DVD comes out. After this year's efforts, it will, with any luck, be a long time before any hot shot director finds it necessary to mutilate another tale from classical history.
Rating: 5/10 - all of those five awarded for the first 80 minutes.