Terrible(possible spoilers)

Rating: Null/10 (1 June 2000)

Not surprisingly, Hollywood shoots with another bit budget epic and completely misses the mark. Although one would expect a gladiator film to be full of glorious visual battles and lacking in the dialogue department, Gladiator attempts to fulfill both categories and fails in both. Abstract, quick-paced action sequences blur the carnage and altogether glorify what is in fact not so glorious - "et in decorum est" is easily applicable to this film. While the view may be invigorating to masculine action-seekers, it is not accurate and certainly a bit biased.The dialogue, which appears at times to be a combination of average Spartacus spurns and Hamlet analogies(towards the end they "bear him like a soldier") borders on clumsy. The acting consists of a great deal of brooding and dramatic pauses, which after being used consistantly seem to drown out any dramatic plausibility. Perhaps had the screenplay been constructed with more flow and rhythm to it the actors would not be left standing with so many awkward pauses, but substance is exchanged for overly-wrought portrayals. Overall, a typical Hollywood yarn lacking any innovative touches. I was more excited watching Mission Impossible 2.