Extremely well done epic

Rating: 7/10 (7 May 2000)

Well this movie does have a few problems with it but its a great epic. Scott captures that sense of awe with Gladiator. The locations, sets, effects, extras, costumes, and action all leads to a huge epic.
The plot is fairly standard stuff. The ruler is killed by his son who wants to rule Rome.The ruler he wanted to follow him is imprisoned by the son. Son kills the rulers picks loved ones and man get angry...and what not. Its the good old revenge tale but told as an epic. The acting is good especially Crowe as Maximus.
The film is visually very cool. From Rome to the fight scenes all well done. The worst scene is the begining battle. Its ruined because it was filmed in the dark, its edited to fast so you cant see whats happening, and the camera doesnt keep still. Also the ending is rather anti climatic. It leads you to believe that there is going to be a huge battle in Rome but alsa all we get is the hero and the villain dueling it out in the Colussem.
Another problem that is too long. It could have a used another brawl or two its seems much longer then 2 hours and 30 mins. I never was really interested in epics of battle but i really enjoyed this one.Its got well done action and good acting thats leads to a well worth trip to the theater
7 out of 10