Good epic action movie

Rating: 8/10 (3 June 2004)

I've heard some quite mixed reviews about this movie, and while I can understand that some people don't like it, I think "Troy" is a very solid and entertaining action epic that is a lot better than many make it out to be.
If you expect a serious recreation of the Iliad though, you'll be disappointed. The story has been simplified and altered quite a bit (probably to make it fit into a three-hour movie), but it's still by no means a brain-dead action movie. Apart from a couple of unnecessary parts (the Achilles - Briseis relation, for one), "Troy" still offers a strong and coherent story with characters that actually have some depth. Considering that they could have turned this movie into a sentimental piece of trash (e.g. something produced by Jerry Bruckheimer) it's good to see that "Troy" at least manages to avoid some of the cliches and overly simplistic depictions that plague many Hollywood "epics".
The acting is generally quite good, as well. I don't see what's the problem with Brad Pitt as Achilles, and the rest of the cast is good as well, with Eric Bana as the obvious highlight.
Where this movie really shines is the action scenes though. Although there aren't as many of them as you might expect, the action that is there is beautifully shot, quite realistic (no bullet time here), and sufficiently visceral. And fortunately, the editing isn't all over the place like in "Gladiator". The fight between Achilles and Hector in particular stood out.

All in all, "Troy" certainly isn't a masterpiece, but is certainly isn't a stupid action blockbuster either. It messes up some of the details, but overall it offers a good story, sufficient depth, fine acting and excellent action. Certainly worth your time.
*** out of **** stars