Above Average But Not Great

Rating: 6/10 (17 May 2004)

On the whole, I enjoyed the movie. It moves well and the characters are interesting. My friend and I had some good discussion afterwards about some of the ideas the movie raised.
It falls short of greatness and I think the main problem is Brad Pitt in the lead role. Despite being buffed up, he just doesn't cut it as a heroic warrior. He maybe suffering from the same thing that got Nicole Kidman in Cold Mountain - he looks too clean and shiny. The role should have gone to someone like Russell Crowe or Arnold in his prime.
The rest of the cast does a wonderful job. Peter O'Toole does a great job with Priam.