not great but not horrible either

Rating: Null/10 (14 December 2004)

I have just returned from contemplating the movie Alexander. That was my first sign that the movie wouldn't get a wow review from me. If i have to think over the aspects of it, it really didn't hit a home run with me. That is not to say that I thought the movie was a wash either. In fact i would give the movie about a six and a half.
The movie starts out in a good spot giving us a glimpse of his home life, something that very few people see or are even interested in, as evident by the many posts i have read. It lays out the mothers teachings for young Alexander and how he is forced to see his father based on that teaching. I think this plays a critical part in the movie because it give us a glimpse into why Alexander strove for what he did. He is taught that he is greater than his father and never to be afraid to grab for what he wants. He also learns a very valuable lesson from his father. That greatness comes with sacrifice.
But like i said i had to think these things over. It was made obvious at times that this may have been what drove him.
I think Angelina did a fantastic job at her role. If ever there was a man hating woman obsessed with power and control it was her in this role. The snakes that surrounded her seemed to give her character another aspect because they were much like herself. Snakes were seen as devious creatures ready to strike but also willing to wait for the right moment. She seemed to spit her venom most effectively at Alexander just when he was feeling weak or coming to a new challenge.
Which brings us to the last notable character. Alexander as played by Colin Ferrel. He play his best role in this movie. He seemed to capture the feel of a man who is thought to take everything in moderation, and is surrounded by excess. It shows in the movie that he does practice restraint at the beginning but in the end is swimming in over indulgence. At the first battle scene he turns away his love because it was believed that sex before a battle would leave a man too drained to fight. He portioned his drinking with water until the water was tainted in the monsoons and was forced to drink the strong wine. He continually resisted the temptation of the eunuch until he was drinking the wine. He wanted nothing more than to be loved, but as power over took him, he wanted more. That final indulgence of power was the one that ruined him. I think that this movie did a great job of showing his slip from purity into semi-madness very well.
As for the "gayness" of the movie. I think that it was tastefully done. Their was never more than hugs, tearful confessions, and longing touches until Alexander kissed the eunuch and that was only because he was cheered on by the crowd. In all actuality the movie only shows this part in hints and subtext. On the other hand, the consummation of his marriage is right there for all to see openly and vividly.
On a personal note... did you see the men that Alexander fell for? Absolutely to die for sexy. I've never seen Leto look hotter.
Lastly the only thing that i would say was wrong with this movie is that at times you could tell it was a movie. I was never so fully drawn into it that i forgot where I was.