Product: Gladiator [VHS] (2000)
Rating: 5.0
Are you ready?
From the moment the preview slammed the television sets and the movie theaters with 'Bawitdaba' by Kid Rock, I knew this was going to be a hit...and not just a small one. I guess in Ancient Rome, they didn't do anything small, and in this example of the Gladiator games that took place during those times, they really DIDN'T do anything small. Director Ripley Scott has a classic on his hands and he knows it. The story follows Maximus (Russell Crowe, who is not exactly known for his action credentials) a Roman general who is deemed a traitor and made into a participant in one of the most brutal contests of all time. Joaquin Phoenix's performance almost makes you want to reach out and smack the living daylights out of him (which means he did a great job in his role). Ridley Scott's masterful work behind the camera is evident from the opening scene, eerily foreshadowing the rest of the movie. What this means I leave to you to find out. Worth the money for DVD? Without a doubt. The surround sound will make you shiver with anticipation as the roar of the crowd at the Roman Coliseum is enough to almost make a man wet his pants...both in the movie and out of. Just one thing to keep in mind, this movie is NOT for the faint of heart. Be ready for a wham-bam, sense-slamming experience that isn't without it's portion of beheadings (and with two swords!). Enjoy!