Okay Summer Movie

Rating: 7/10 (4 June 2004)

Troy was okay as a summer movie and it is only a good movie if you judge by summer movie standards. I did go in expecting more substance than say the movie, Van Helsing, because it is based on a much revered work. The characterizations and script lack the depth of a movie like The Gladiator. Nonetheless, it works as a summer movie and occasionally injects heart here and there. I initially had problems with the casting but everyone did an adequate job. What is ironic is that is it not Helen and Paris' romance that you begin to care about. It is the romance between Achilles and Briseis that you really root for. That was unexpected. I think Rose Byrne in addition to Eric Bana were the reasons why I stuck with this movie. I predict big things in the future for Byrne and Bana. They have true star appeal. Brad Pitt was better in the role than I expected. I initially had problems imagining him as Achilles but he pulled it off. I admire Bloom for taking a role that displays Paris initially as being so weak. I think he did fine in the role. Of course side characters such as Peter O'Toole as the king of Troy was exceptional. O'Toole doesn't even need to say a word, his eyes do all the acting... 7.5/10