Great Bockbuster film of a Timeless Myth

Rating: 8/10 (17 November 2006)

"Troy" is an excellent historical epic. Simply tossing out "The Iliad" altogether the film plays like the watered-down greatest hits compilation. It eliminates many characters (mainly the Greek Gods) and deliberately changes the status of many others from Homer's original story. Thats fine with me because "Troy" is happy to toss out the old and shake it up a little. The result is an entertaining summer epic worthy of its Golden Glory and Brad Pitt's Godlike physique (he modeled his body after that of statues of Greek gods and heroes). The battle scenes are breathtaking and exhilarating. The fall of Troy is done masterfully and is haunting and lyrical. Brad Pitt is in top shape as is Orlando Bloom, Eric Bana, Brian Cox, Brendan Gleeson, and everyone else. Peter O'Toole hits all the right notes as King Priam making his performance live in the mind. The best scene in the movie is the great one that will go down in history as one of the most moving ever filmed. Priam sneaks into the Greek camp and begs Achilles back for the body of Hector, Achilles opponent, whom he has defeated. Just stop right now and go check it out. Don't look for an accurate depiction of Homer's great story, but if you are looking for a big summer blockbuster with beautiful women, great fight scenes and just plain looks great, get "Troy" now.