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Gladiator

Gladiator

List Price: $29.99
Your Price: $22.49
Product Info Reviews

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Rating: 2 stars
Summary: One of the worst movies I've ever seen!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Review: This movie was completely boring all the way through until the big fight scene(which is the only reason this gets two stars).

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: Brilliant, Powerful, Spectacular, simply the best!
Review: It's not often, and not since the Godfather films has a movie been so perfectly created.
This is one of the finest films ever and will forever be watched by generations of film goers. Although still powerful on the small screen, DreamWorks needs to re-release it every few years on an IMAX screen so new viewers can truly feel the magnitude of this film. This film will be regarded as one of the greatest productions of all time as will its star Russell Crowe. This film is worthy of 6 stars and is a must buy for anyone's collection.

Rating: 3 stars
Summary: Oh, bother
Review: Over the years, it seems that Hollywood has forgotten how to make great Roman era epics. Watching Ridley Scott's award-winning "Gladiator", it was obvious to me that they still can't remember.

"Gladiator" follows the story of Maximus Decimus Meridus (Russel Crowe), the emperor's new favorite to become his heir. The emperor's son, Commodus (Joaquin Pheonix), is enraged. He kills his father and exiles Maximus, who escapes to find that both his wife and son have been killed. He is found by slave traders, who sell him to gladiator trainer Proximo (Oliver Reed, who died during production*). As he competes in matches in the Colosseum, Maximus's life soon becomes a quest for vengance.

This is a brainless action movie posing as a thoughtful one. The fight scenes, when they occur, can either be exhilirating or an incredible bore. The opening sequence in Germania is yawn-inducing, while some of the Colosseum fights, one involving tigers, are quite something (albeit very similar to WWF matches).

It is very hard to accept this as a popcorn flick. There's too much campy drama, brought about by a monotonous script. Apparently the writers forgot how to use a thesaurus; the words "Rome", "glory", "vengance" and "kill" (seemingly) serve as the complete vocabulary for all of Rome. The characters are incredibly flat. Smiles, good humor and anything else that would have lifted the spirits of these dreary characters are nearly nonexistent.

The film's visuals are depressingly ugly, with a very limited color pallette. The audience is treated to brown, orange and tan for two and a half hours- the whole thing might have just as well filmed in sepia color tones. The special effects are bland, colorless, and lack detail. People will no doubt be impressed with the digital work to restore the Colosseum, but this feat pales in comparison to other films which have a much richer quality to their visuals- "The Phantom Menace" or "Sleepy Hollow", for example.

The acting is mediocre. Russel Crowe gives a stable performance, but it does not consist of much more than yelling, grunting and stabbing. Joaquin Pheonix whimpers all the way through his performance, which gets very tiresome and comes off as pathetic. The only real balance comes from Connie Nielsen, who plays Commodus's well-meaning sister. She does well in an otherwise dull ensemble.

There is no way "Gladiator" could have been a great film on the level of "Spartacus" or "Ben Hur". However it could have been a fun popcorn movie, had it stuck to being just that. But in the end, poor decisions in art direction, casting, and a deplorable screenplay turn this summer blockbuster into a wannabe of epic proportions.

*Fancy editing and computer effects were used to give the illusion of Reed's presence in scenes he did not complete.

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: Great
Review: I don't watch many movies, spend most of my time writing and reading, but this movie captivated and held my attention. Few movies carry you through the gamut of emotions from anger, disgust, hate as well as happiness and satisfaction as Gladiator. The story line will stay with me forever. I recommend this to anyone looking for a powerful movie, one that you will want to see more than once.
Beverly J Scott author of Righteous Revenge

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: Ridley Scott's masterpiece!
Review: After the critical and commercial dissapiontments of White Squall (1996) and Gi Jane (1996), Ridley Scott returns to form with Gladiator! Starring Russel Crowe, the film is centered around the famous Roman legionaire Maximus, who is betrayed by the emporer's son Commudus (Joaquin Pheonix) and is sold to become a competetor in the roman arena. Russel Crowe's commanding performance as Maximus is gritty and brilliant, and it's easy to see why Crowe won the best actor Oscar for the role.

Scott's visioanry trademark seen in films like Alien and Blade Runner is excellent, with huge CG re-creations of ancient Rome. Working with such an enormous scale and with such a big palet to use, Scott's unique talent for vivid and brutal storytelling is to the fore.

The collosal action set-pieces in the roman arena are breath-taking, and with top-notch stunt work and sharp visuals, the backgrounds, vistas and entire battlegrounds are done to masterful effect. Hans Zimmer's score for the film is a real romping, 'wake the neighbours up' soundtrack that is one of his best. The cinematography is astounding, with 'helicopter shots' over Rome, and the ear-splitting sound fits the film's brutal tone.

The acting is really impressive, with legendary actors Richard Harris as Emperor Marcus Aurelius and the late Oliver Reed as Antonius Proximo, a slave dealer who trains Maximus. And Phenoix plays the part of the evil Commodus with relish. But this is Russel's movie, and his performance is brilliant, combining ferociousness with pathos.
The DVD extra features are exceptional, with a feature commentary from Scott and the other film-makers, an extensive 'making of' documentary, deleted scenes with optional commentary from Scott, trailers, T.V spots, production notes, cast and filmmaker's notes and more fascinating production info. One of the best DVDs on the market, this is must-buy material from one of cinema's greatest directors.

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: movie
Review: this movie was truly gr8 i loved it and i am sure yall will 2 the plot, acting, and story was touching. a movie that will keep you off the seat trust me get it u wont be sorry

Rating: 4 stars
Summary: Loved it for what it was!
Review: I went into this movie with expectations for what it was. An action flick with great battle sequences and enough story to fill the gaps. I was not expecting a complicated storyline just enough substance to keep my interest. I cannot believe Russell Crowe received Best Actor from this film, but oh well.
What this movie did have was incredible cinematography and top flight action sequences. The initial battle in Germania was amazingly shot. As was the first battle in the coliseum with the chariots. I did find myself losing concentration at times in between the battles, but very much enjoyed the movie never-the-less.

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: Wow! This film is amazing....
Review: When I saw Gladiator for the first time, I was instantly drawn into the story. The very first scene, where we see Maximus dreaming of his home, then gazing at a bird fluttering away, shows us a lot of his dual personality. He instantly turns deadly serious and faces battle with courage, and even a touch of humor as a smile crosses his face when he almost takes out one of his own men. The battle scenes are gritty, but still manage to convey a sense of heroism. Hans Zimmer's score is wonderfully appropriate (how did it not win Best Score?), and the inclusion of Derek Jacobi as Senator Gracchus was a stoke of genius by the casting crew. This film will amaze you if you haven't seen it yet, and will continue to if you already have! SEE IT!!!!

Rating: 3 stars
Summary: I'm not going to change your mind, but...
Review: By this point, it is ridiculous to write another review for "Gladiator" (Right now it has around 1300 reviews), but if you're reading this and considering buying it, please do yourself a favor and rent it instead.

It's a good popcorn flick that makes a great rental, especially to watch with friends. Everybody has already mentioned the dazzling visuals, so I need not go on further. Great action, great fight scenes.

But the acting ranges from melodramatic to slightly less melodramatic, and the script is pure cheesiness at its worst. The movie has no depth at all, which is why most sane people question why it won an Oscar for Best Picture. The lesson in this movie is "If you have a problem, kill somebody." They say this (almost literally) several times within the movie, which just makes it seem like it was conceived/written by a six year old.

If you are just looking for some action scenes, then here ya go. Everything else is sold separately.

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: Excellent!!!
Review: The Gladiator is a heartwarming and amazing movie! The direction is awesome! The acting is awesome! And the story is awesome! This is a role that Russell Crowe played perfect.
I would tell you some of the story but it would take too long to explain. And I would just end up ruining it.
The Gladiator is sad, 'don't forget the box of kleenex' movie. But the action parts are really awesome. The music is great. I just love it!
If you haven't seen this movie, you really should. If you have, then you will have to agree with me when I say this is a great movie. I can definitely see why it received so many awards.
If you ever get the chance to see this movie, don't back out. I know I rated this movie above but for my own rating, I give this 10 stars out of 10.


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