Blockbuster Backlash

Rating: 8/10 (29 May 2001)

I must say I'm not sure why so many people rate this a 1, unless it is a case of Blockbuster Backlash. They hate any big movie released by a major. Either that, or they're wanting to be in some sort of club.
I saw all the poor reviews of the movie and was disheartened because I wanted it to be good. I decided to see it anyway just for the battle sequences. Possibly my opinion of the movie was improved by my own low expectations (much as I was disappointed in "Gladiator" because of high expectations), but I think the movie is good on its own terms.
It combines good action, excellent special effects, and a so-so story with one of the defining moments in world history and comes out a winner. While its grip with history is often merely tenuous, it is an exposure to more history than the average American knows, to our shame. I think that's reason enough to see the movie.
Is it Best Picture caliber? No, but neither was "Gladiator" and look what happened to it.