Best Film of 2000

Rating: 10/10 (2 August 2000)

In my book, no film of 1999 deserved 4 stars. Three Kings, The Insider and American Beauty all got close, but not since Saving Private Ryan, two years ago, has a movie recieved four stars from my critical perspective.
Ridley Scott's "Gladiator" is the real deal. Love, passion, action, emotion, and excitement put together one hell of a potpourri to make this the most unique and well-done movie of 2000, and will remain that way. The first time I saw it was opening weekend, and I was not as impressed then as I am now. The first time it was great, but I felt like I just witnessed a bad car accident. The brutality of this movie (Roman behavior and lifestyle) overshadowed my enjoyment of it. The second time, was much better, and the third which I just watched, was nothing short of amazing! Russell Crowe is a bigger bad-ass than William Wallace, and though this movie is not AS good as Braveheart, it is just as enjoyable and unforgettable! Hopefully in March, we'll see Scott and Crowe accepting Oscars for Best Picture/Best Actor-something that is most definitely deserved.