Product: Gladiator [VHS] (2000)
Rating: 4.0
Good * Hype = Great ??
Some movies get hyped into 'greatness' - this is an excellent example of the kind. I'm not saying it's not good, but make no mistake, this is no 'Ben Hur' or even 'Braveheart'.The 'epic scale' is more or less achieved, aided considerably by some impressive Computer Graphics, and the action sequences are mostly well done. However the storytelling could've been better ........ and in a strange way, the movie lacks soul. It doesn't really shake you up when it supposedly should.Russell Crowe is competent as the chief protagonist, but his role is not emotionally demanding. I believe he's given finer performances, eg in 'Insider', without winning any awards so i guess it's some kind of poetic justice that he must win it for this.Phoenix Joaquin is more impressive as the villain, even though his character has no shades - he's just evil through and though. Connie Nelson as his sister & Crowe's ex love interest is fair.Most of the support cast do their job well.The technical aspects of the movie, like cinematography, graphics, etc and the score all quite good.All in all, a movie worth watching, but you should do that first to decide whether it's actually worth **buying**.