'Bloody and the Beast' entertaining action for those in need of a killing frenzy.

Rating: 8/10 (5 May 2000)

Lots of very exciting action. Generally good story line until the total collapse at the end.
And I thought only the French did not know how to finish a movie! Forget about the end and you're on.
General is victorious ... betrayed by jealous heir to Caesar ... escapes death ... somehow winds up a gladiator (super gladiator) ... goes to Rome... drives his betrayer (new Caesar) crazy ... wins big at killing and becomes a superstar ... new Caesar's sister betrays Caesar for gladiator (sounds real to me!) ... from here the story line goes south.

Basically this is a revenge story with terrific action and some stars that make the movie fun. Russell Crowe, as Maximus the gladiator, is a terrific presence on screen. His only weak lines were with Caesar Senior (Richard Harris who looks like he has just about recovered from the beating in "The Unforgiven") when he is describing his home. Crowe just could not do those lines. No one could do those lines! Elsewhere, Crowe is the gladiator! What a killer! Crowe looks perfect in this rugged, physical role and he has a very good voice. Joaquin Phoenix as Caesar Junior is fantastic as a disgusting figure. He was nervously sexual around his sister, played by Connie Nielsen. He definitely convinced me that he was unstable. Nielsen is a real beauty and gave a strong performance - where has she been? Oliver Reed was pretty good as the master of the gladiators. This part lacked consistent definition. I think that Reed needed to be cruel and money driven from start to finish. What other kind of person could run a gladiator slave operation?
The scenery, clothing, and hardware are outstanding.
Flaws and all, I liked the movie because the good parts and good scenes carry the imagination along quite well. Most of the acting worked and Russell Crowe is truly powerful on the screen. He moves so well and just looks believable. See it!