can i get a wide-angle shot please

Rating: Null/10 (19 May 2000)

this movie was definitely entertaining. it was engaging, it had my full attention, and it was a visual feast...well, sometimes. but what is going on here? why does everyone love it exactly? i saw the film at one of the most beautiful theatres, the Cinerama Dome on Sunset Blvd., which added to it a lot. but if i sat up front, i would have ran out of their screaming. people complain about the Blair Witch project? i didn't know what was going on half the time. this was me at about 5 points during the film: "what? he got hit? yeah he did.. but.. he who? WHERE?!"
the recreation of Rome is fantastic, and those shots are excellent, as are the effects and art direction. the fights are fun in all their gore, with the exception of the chaotic camera movements. and certain shots, for example of the fields when Maximus's hands are brushing against the tall grass. beautiful. but not enough to get the praise it's been receiving.
and character development? hello? "Lucilla, you should have been a son." oh really? "Lucilla is a strong woman this, and a forceful soul that." how so? i couldn't tell. and bratty Commodus, played by an excellent Joaquin Phoenix, just was not fully explained in his insanity. Russell Crowe is great (as always) as the vengeful Maximus, but even with his character something seemed lacking. and way to go with the subtle ending. (no, that was not sarcasm).
overall the movie entertained me, but i walked out confused (as to whether i liked it or not). and when i walk out of movies confused i wait for the next day.. and the next day i was not satisfied. some great shots and color, cool costumes, Crowe finally confirming himself as a star, Phoenix confirming himself as an actor, and Nielsen confirming herself as a hottie who can act. it'll do. but it would have been better off had it been done by someone other than ridley scott. (gosh.. he better not butcher Hannibal). it deserves no spot on the IMDb's top 250 much less the top 100.