Overall good, but one thing bothered me

Rating: 8/10 (12 May 2000)

ok here's the deal. This was a good film. Sure we realize it is Spartacus meets Braveheart, but that can be gotten over. Costumes, set, and especially the exterior shots of Rome were very impressive dispite the Colluseum looking slightly fake. I really enjoyed this right up to the end. Russle Crow gives a fantastic performace as Maximus, and was completly believeable. However one thing stood out. Joaquin Phoenix. Was he like the newphew of the director or somthing. He was terrible in the role. Every scene he came on i couldnt help bury my head in my hands. Some scenes were so bad, i could only imagine they were not reshot because the director didnt want to deal with him. Bad casting. But otherwise, GREAT movie, definitly worth the money, especially if you are into some bloody action scenes.