Nothing too special

Rating: 6/10 (15 May 2004)

Troy was great visually though I've been getting used to these large battles sans guns since LOTR so I've been a little dulled to them. The city of Troy, though very not-historical, was beautiful and portrayed much as we think Ancient Greek places must look. All the boats were very nicely done, though it doesn't look like they are being rowed very hard sometimes. Costumes were very nicely done too, though its hard to tell which side is which mid battle.
I know in the beginning it says "based on The Iliad" but I really think it could have been a better representation of the great Greek Epic. It could have used some sweet Gods fighting amongst themselves and aiding the people to clear up parts of the story. They really had WAY more to do with the war than is remotely acknowledged in the film. It would have been difficult to do, but if it was done well-enough, it would have separated this film from others of the style. Paris's love in the beginning also could have been explained 100% better with the whole Hera/Aphrodite story.
Speaking of the little coward, Orlando Bloom's voice is getting just plain annoying. Hes getting type-casted as the little weenie ladies man who is willing to sacrifice the British navy or some great ancient people just so he can get the hot girl. I'm getting a little tired of it. If he wants to prove himself to be a decent actor, and not some teen phenom, then he needs to show that he can do other types of parts. I knew he was Paris, so he killed Achilles (also not the way in the Iliad and also involving gods) but I was rooting for someone to smite the puny wuss. I kept wanting him and his little lame pick-up lines and quips about his true love to get off the screen in favor of Brad Pitt being cool.
Other complaints: Some of the battle clips are really lame. You see like one or two people hitting others in a very fake/unrealistic way. One of the scenes in Agamemnon's ship is simply horrible. Its supposed to be comic relief I think except for the fact that its not funny at all. The Trojan King (forgot the name) is overdone in a few scenes. Achilles's cousin is almost as annoying as Paris.
The good: Agamemnon's thirst for power was very well done. Fireballs rolling down the dunes were sweet. Hector and Achilles fight scene was spectacular. Great great choreography and well acted on both sides.
It was definitely a preview to the big-budget summer movies to come.
Overall - 6/10 - might have been a 5 if there weren't some good hecklers behind me