Nice Tale of the Roman Empire

Rating: 9/10 (18 October 2001)

This is yet another successful film starring Russell Crowe, who has turned in some of the most versatile acting performances in the past decade, including "A Beautiful Mind", "The Insider", and "L.A. Confidential". This film is a well-paced, action-packed (if not always realistic) film. What my wife liked about it (of which I'd have to agree) is that it is simple in its plot, very easy to follow, yet is never lacking in the right amount of action or momentum. It is a summer-movie but a well-made summer movie. I'm not sure that I would have voted this for the Best Picture Oscar it received ("Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" had more depth and "Almost Famous" was very witty), but I certainly can't say it was a bad choice. This is definitely worth a look at least once.