MAXIMUS! MAXIMUS!

Rating: Null/10 (18 May 2000)

Epic? Yes. Entertaining? Absolutely. Perfect? Nope, but nitpicking is for ex-girlfriends and IRS agents.
This is the first entry into the 2000 summer block-buster slate for Hollywood. And as such, GLADIATOR delivers on many levels as a satisfying cinematic experience. Russell Crowe is a big-time star. He is the film's center, no doubt. His enthusiam as the film's hero, Maximus, creates a powerful character for the audience to embrace. He is honorable, strong and practically fearless in battle. Alongside his strangth comes a particlarly touching human side, a vulnerability that will make women swoon and men wonder lies within their own hearts as well.
GLADIATOR, like its star, is brutal, menacing, thoughtful and complex. Go see it and cheer.