works better on a second viewing but still poorly paced and overlong

Rating: Null/10 (15 January 2009)

Troy is a LONG three hours of uneven spectacle. Alas, with better editing and pacing, this would have been a good movie. Even so, its definitely worth a watch, at least on DVD/television. While I initially hated Brad Pitt's Achilles, a second viewing has convinced me he played his role deliberately in such a "non-heroic" manner, in order to add to the anti-war sentiment of the film. Peter O'Toole is magnificent, and deserved more screen time. Eric Bana is the most sympathetic character in the film, which suffers as a result of his departure. Sean Bean is also decent. The fight scenes are a major disappointment, specially in the wake of the popular 'Lord Of the Rings'. Only Hector and Achilless' one on one fight leaves an impact.
Overall 6/10