**** / Don't believe what you've read

Rating: Null/10 (18 November 2004)

I simply cannot believe all the negativity towards this movie on this site. I recently got back from a screening, and have been captivated ever since I left the auditorium. I think when the movie is released there will be tons of critics applauding Stone and the amazing cast, as well as more user-friendly comments. Simply put, the is a crowning achievement for Stone. Finally we as an audience get an epic historical slice of life that isn't cheasy or tainted with. And the performances are nothing short of perfect. Especially the performance on Angelina Jolie, who steals every scene away from her amazing co-stars. I can definitely see this role garnering her some more awards. Farrel was also great in the film, and it is nice to see that he has such range. Although Hopkins was a little underused, he is always wonderful. And Val Kilmer finally does something worthwhile in this film, he was truly in rare form. Leto, Rhys Meyers, Dawson, etc. all proved that they had the chops to perform along A-list stars. This movie is getting a bad wrap on this website and I do not like it. Like 80% of all the professional reviews I have read are either positive or complete raves. This is something special, and don't let these people on this board tell you otherwise. When it is released majorly across the country, go and see it for yourself, you won't be disappointed.