Worth a viewing, if only to see Brian Cox in a chariot

Rating: Null/10 (15 May 2004)

A generally entertaining movie in the epic tradition. Nicely handled tension between a fistful of protagonists set 3200 years ago in the vicinity of the Aegean Sea, all well acted, aided and abetted by 1000 Greek CGI warships.
Things I didn't like:
The beginning and end feature Sean Bean narratives which, to any UK viewer, will be highly reminiscent of his TV mobile phone adverts (he has a very strong and distinctive regional accent). The close-up of Achilles' heel is a slight editorial embarrassment, being somewhat blatant. It was a pity to see Saffron Burrows in several scenes doing nothing but sniveling as it's not often she's featured in a decent movie. The dialog is a bit corny at times, for example there's a scene where Achilles says something to the effect of "It's too early in the day to kill princes". Well, yes. I don't know how Brad had the nerve to say that! At other times, the script seems a little clichéd, predictable and self-important, rather reminiscent of TV comedy spots where the mickey is being taken out of a Russell Crowe Gladiator look-alike. The violence was also rather tame. In my opinion, the movie would have been better if the battle scenes had been given the "Saving Private Ryan" treatment.
For all that, I enjoyed it, but should have checked the running time first. Caution advised if you intend to get through a large fizzy drink early on.