Reasonable acting, no thanks to a poor script.

Rating: Null/10 (15 January 2001)

***Possible spoilers contained*** Some very good combat sequences and lots of impressive cgi do not make a good film. The script was poor, with some appalling cliches. The acting was reasonable given this poor script, which helped provide some hilarious "hammy" moments. I found myself laughing at what were meant to be the dramatic highlights ("What is your name?" "My name is Gladiator" - pur-leeease!). Towards the end I found myself wishing that Maximus had killed Commodus when he had his first chance in the arena. And thus saving me an hour of filler before the inevitable ending. If you are easily pleased and a sucker for hyped blockbusters, you'll love it. If you think that good special effects and cgi make a good movie, then you'll love it. Otherwise, treat with caution and a healthy dose of cynicism.