Best of 2000

Rating: 10/10 (4 June 2000)

Far and away the best movie I've seen since "Saving Private Ryan" nearly two years ago. I've seen it twice at the theater, and have every intention of seeing it again before the summer ends. I'm fervently hoping that Hollywood realizes how successful "historical fiction" can be. "Braveheart" is another excellent example. Russell Crowe does an outstanding job as the stoic Roman General Maximus. The supporting cast is excellent as well. Gladiator features plenty of action, but unlike so many "swordplay" movies, the action does not seem overly unrealistic. What really seperates Gladiator from so many other similar movies is the fact that one never loses interest in the plot as the action unfolds. There are no tiresome "downtime" sequences, nor does one get a sense that the ending of the movie was rushed in any way. The movie flows from start to finish, and is a great ride for the entire 3 hours.
I'm really hoping to see Crowe cast in similar roles...the hero in a serious/realistic movie. I'll definitely take note of any movie in which he appears from now on.