A Visual Stunner and Nice Escape on a Hot Summer day.

Rating: 7/10 (14 June 2000)

First the good, I finally got to see what the big deal about the Roman Empire was. When you read it in books and see it in pictures it doesn't have the same punch as when it becomes a living breathing thing as it does in Gladiator. Russel Crowe is great as Maximus and Phoenix makes Commodus the biggest wussy in recent cinema. Overall, I give a big yippie-yahoo to Gladiator for a nice escape from whatever you are escaping from. My only complaint? It was just a wee bit long and the drama-love story aspect of it just was a bit of a letdown. How long did it take Maximus to get from Germania to his house anyway? Did anyone else notice that his hair had grown out? Who cares, right? Enjoy the show...but, I suggest you buy a snack and hit the head before settling in.