FUN FUN FUN

Rating: 10/10 (10 May 2000)

The problem with movies today is that they try (and the key word here is "try") to enlighten us. They attempt to push lenghty ten minute monologues on our materialistic existence or the superficiality of mankind down our throats. What these movies and directors and screenwriters behind these movies fail to realize is that 98.9% of the world's population could care less about being enlightened. When I sit through a 3 hour movie, I want it to be entertaining. I don't wanna shell out 8 bucks to be preached at. Gladiator is the perfect example of a movie that the majority of moviegoers want to see.
Gladiator has it all: a villain, a hero, a king, lots of gore, and beautiful cinematography and direction. While not being a breakthrough film or a one of a kind masterpiece, it's got all it needs. People want to see movies like this. They want that adrenaline rush right before a fight scene, they want to root for the hero, and they want that instant feeling of gratification and pure elation when the hero wins, no matter how strong the forces against him are.
The hero in the movie is Russell Crowe, and he's great. The rest of the cast was good, but the one person holding this entire film up is Crowe. And why shouldn't he? The movie is centered around him. This movie is exactly what he needs. He's gonna become a household name.
I give this movie a 10, not because it's one of my favorites, and not because it's a masterpiece (because it isn't), but because it embodies what a film should be. It's not superficial or preachy. It's just a good old-fashioned story delivered to us in a beautiful package. I'd be willing to shell out 8 bucks for the ticket (plus 3 for a Dr Pepper) to see this movie any day.