Not what I was expecting...

Rating: 4/10 (9 February 2006)

After hearing all of the amazing reviews, I was really let down by this film. The acting was great, everything looked superb, however the director failed to create any kind of bond with the audience. I did not see the film in a theater, and am glad I did not waste my money. About 1/2 way into the film I shut it off without a second thought. I felt the film was completely void of emotion and simply lacking. The only scene that managed to invoke any emotional response from me was when nearly killed the young girl, because she seemed innocent and young. All the athletes were simply bloody bodies. They were given no story, so the I did not care what happened to them, as if they were simply extras in the film. The same is true the majority of what happens in the first half. I was very disappointed to see this movie make it as an Oscar contender. To those who think "Well what if the end was good?" I say this... If I pay to see a movie, I want to watch a full length, high quality production. A good ending can not save a movie if the first half is void.