Overrated

Rating: 1/10 (2 January 2005)

Gladiator is an ill-conceived Braveheart knockoff with a tired, predicable plot. Joaquin Phoenix, is unbearable as a one dimensional, stereotyped, sniveling, overwrought, incestuous Roman villain. Russell Crowe's performance was fine, satisfactory--as usual, but certainly not particularly inspired or stalwart. He is one of Hollywood's most overrated actors. The action sequences were entertaining and well choreographed, but story and originality of plot and characters suffered. Gladiator is standard, action fare, albeit with a setting infrequently revisited in recent years. What a shame this won best film.