Spectacular old-time Hollywood entertainment

Rating: 8/10 (3 June 2004)

Surprisingly good adaptation of Homer's classic poem, with
spectacular sets and great battle scenes. Well-acted by Brad Pitt,
Eric Bana, and Brian Cox, although a few too many close-ups of a
cadaverous Peter O'Toole for my taste. Director Wolfgang Peterson was able to sneak in a few timely
anti-war messages and refuses to glorify or exploit the extreme
violence of hand-to-hand combat. Despite the large cast, multiple
storylines, and long running time, the movie kept up the pace and
engaged this viewer throughout. Great old-time, "cast of
thousands" style entertainment.