Sic Semper Blockbusterus Summerus

Rating: 10/10 (29 March 2001)

Despite getting off to a shaky start with that jarring, slightly confusing battle sequence with the barbarian horde I really enjoyed this movie. Did it deserve to win Best Picture? No. I thought it was entertaining in much the same way, say "The Great Escape" or "Fist of Legend" was; it's escapism at it's best, but it's not Oscar Gold. But then again, 2000 was a very dry year for movies...
Russell Crowe was excellent. So was Oliver Reed. It was sad to note that his performance went largely unnoticed in most reviews in favor of Joaquin Phoenix's (who was good, but still...). And the soundtrack was simply stunning.
A good yet highly overrated movie.