A man among men; conquerer and King.

Rating: 5/10 (29 December 2004)

I'm a fan of Oliver Stone and admit he gets a bit zealous in his understanding and retelling of history. This saga recounts Alexander(Colin Farrell)the young Macedonian King that conquered most of the world that existed in his lifetime. Leading his expansive tour of fighting, but not all faithful followers through battlefields that included a scorching Persia to snow-covered peaks in India. Even his battle with a new tribe of man called "monkey". Not as pompous as his father Philip(Val Kilmer)and not totally as ambitious as his mother Olympias(Angelina Jolie); he lived most of his dreams of power, glory and adventure...only to die rather lonely with the lands he conquered in some confusion.
The battle scenes were awesome. The much talked about promotion of homosexuality did not confound or really irritate me, because I took it as it was probably intended...showing an attitude and sign of the times. I didn't view this movie expecting to change my thoughts on history, but watched it as a spectacle. I was entertained, but doubtful if I would watch it again. I thought Farrell was good in spite of the blonde hair. Jolie excelled in her role and was easy to feel sympathy for. Can't say much about Jared Leto and am less impressed with Rosario Dawson. Anthony Hopkins's narration at times was not needed and other times down right laughable. I hate to think of this as an Oliver Stone folly.