proper epics are back!

Rating: 9/10 (14 June 2000)

What can be said about this? It was pushed as a bloke movie, but it isn't. Its been suggested it is a mindless action flick, using computer effects to take attention away from a flimsy plot - not so. The script is fine and a hundred times better than the last epic I was unfortunate enough to see in the cinema - Titanic. Gladiator has a lot of heart and yes, the story may be a little hackneyed, there may be reminders of everything from Ben Hur to Caligula, but the acting is superb, the effects (which don't detract from the story) are great and the whole piece is very enjoyable. Proof that the epic isn't dead and that Hollywood can still make decent thoughtful films when it wants to. Excellent.