They don't make Epics, like they used to.

Rating: Null/10 (18 August 2006)

This is a very good epic produced and acted by a H'wood legend (Douglas). It starts off strong and just continues on that wave-length right through the conclusion when the lead is crucified. The performances that support this epic are all-around excellent. One possible quibble is that Curtis' character could have been built up somewhat so that in the last combat scene there is a stronger current of tension between Antoninus and the slave-king Spartacus. Strode is superb in his smaller role, as are Ireland and Gavin. I was born a decade after this film played in theaters, but it's a film that deserves a definite theatrical viewing. The scene that shows Spartacus leading the salves is expertly inter-cut w/ the Olivier character speaking to Romans. The battle scene is a HUNDRED TIMES better than all the CG-effects used in the over-promoted turkey 'Troy.' They just don't make Epics, like they used to.