Rating: 
Summary: Expected more
Review: I expected way more from this movie. I had heard all the buzz, and when I finally saw it, I was pretty excited. But much to my dismay, this film fell flat. Impressive as an action movie, but lame as an epic film in the same vein as Braveheart. Russell Crowe acted only a little, but did not deserve the Academy Award. The movie was too slow at times, like after the battle in the beginning. The whole time afterwards I couldn't wait for Maximus to become a gladiator because I heard so much about those Colesseum fights. Too much talking, and I really was not interested in the story at all. I do have to admit, the fight sequences were very well done, and the technique Ridley Scott used to give the film that look of quickness ( I don't know how to descibe it) works extremely well. Gladiator is nothing but an action movie. I really did not care for the characters, and it certainly did not deserve best picture. I would have voted for Crouching Tiger.
Rating: 
Summary: Powerful and New
Review: Despite the fact that this movie takes a lot of it's cues from movies like "Spartacus", "Ben Hur", "Fall of the Roman Empire", "Rocky", and other hero/war/Roman movies there's something about it that made it into the movie that it is, a completely captivating, intriguing, emotionally draining, and fun epic.The acting is superb, Crowe just eminates "suffering talented guy" and although he does nothing totally mindboggling he really does an overall fantastic job, better than any other this year. But the biggest surprise is Joaquin Phoenix. I'd never heard of him, as many people probably had never heard of him, till this movie. Then you leave saying "who IS that guy?". He's good everyone, and he makes you love him and really, really hate him. He emotes through entire movie, whether its hatred, lust, or this anonymous feeling that makes you pity him. Then there are the supporting characters that make this such an ensemble piece, Connie Nielsen, Oliver Reed, Derek Jacobi, Richard Harris, they all do their part and make is superb. The cinematography is good; the score has some high points and low points; the plot twists in a way that would make Shakespeare proud. There are aspects of this movie that are new to the movie scene, such as some of the themes, acting styles, and plot twists, and overall it has this power to it that nearly blows you away. It sucks you in from the first scene and doesn't let go till the very last , very intense, scene of the movie . Bring a box of kleenex (honestly, seeing Russell Crowe WEEPING is enough to bring anyone to tears). Other than I'd say "Traffic" this movie is the best of the year!
Rating:
Summary: EXCELLENT!
Review: This is a great movie! I have heard many criticisms of the storyline, but I don't agree. I have seen this film several times. Sure, they took liberties with history and created a fictionalized story. But there are no flaws within that story, wherein everything fits perfectly and the motivation for all that unfolds makes sense. There is one, and only one, thing that I would change: the ending - and everyone who loves this movie knows what I mean!
Rating: 
Summary: A masterpiece of film art
Review: I loved the way this picture draws the viewer into ancient Rome, and dramatizes the vastness of the empire and the city. I loved Joaquin Phoenix's portrayal of the emperor Commodus as a young man on the very edge of sanity. But the movie would not have won an Oscar without the unconventional artistic touches: the use of musical and visual motifs to recall early parts of the story; the use of color and contrasts in the final scene; and the manner in which Maximus's wife and son are depicted when he returns home. I'm especially glad that the writers and director resisted the temptation to throw in "silly" scenes (like the ridiculous mooning scene in "Braveheart"). "Gladiator" has no comic relief at all, so that you get the full impact of each scene. Criticisms: First, Russell Crowe's performance is almost entirely physical. He spends most of the movie leaning on the performances of other cast members. Second, It's unclear why the story continues after Maximus reveals himself to Commodus. I would expect the story to end there, but it doesn't. As for the historical inaccuracies, who cares? "Hamlet" isn't historically accurate either. If you buy the recording, be sure you have a big screen to watch it on, because otherwise you'll miss the epic feel of the picture.
Rating:
Summary: OH MY GOD!!!!!!!!!!
Review: This is the absolute best movie to come along in a long time! If you've seen it in the theater, and aren't sure if it will be the same at home, I am reassuring you, yes!! I own it, and even on my 20" T.V.,it was exciting and stiill able to make me cry! You have got to get this movie!!!
Rating:
Summary: Three stars is too generous
Review: This movie won best picture at the Oscars and I wasn't at all surprised, as the Acadamy tends to NOT award the best picture of the year with the honor. A lot of people loved this movie and it's easy to see why: an underdog lead character and loads of action. I would have loved it too had it been as carefully crafted as Ben Hur. However, it isn't, and the story is about as strong as wet tissue paper; the sub-par story alone tries to support a new-era Hollywood epic and obviously turns to shreds. The whole of the movie is filler with some action sequences to break the monotony: There's the "driving factor" of Maximus trying to free the slaves and restore the glorious empire, but who really cares except for Maximus? Not me, and probably not most people. And don't forget the tacked on love story, which seems obligatory for any Hollywood movie these days. The pure and simple truth is that, sadly, no extra care was taken to ensure this movie's claim to greatness. When you put all these elements in a blender and hit "puree" you come up with a thick dark sludge that's as appetizing as raw liver, but which people will shell out money to taste nonetheless. And despite what you may think of this next statement, there is no bitterness involved: If you want to really see the best picture of the year, go see Traffic.
Rating: 
Summary: Gladiator: Don't waste your time or money
Review: I'm very interested in the Roman Empire and the events surrounding the time period, so, naturally, I rented this movie, thinking it was going to be great, even if not historicly correct.............. Crowe was a fair actor in a terrible movie. The opening battle scene was the most impressive in the entire movie, and it wasn't that great. Besides haveing almost no plot and bad actors, none of the characters where likeable. I couldn't even make myself love to hate the evil ones. My advice, don't buy this movie, DVD or VHS, it's a waste of money and time. But rent it for yourself and then deside.
Rating:
Summary: This is beyond five stars
Review: If there was a choice of ten stars I would rate it that. This movie deserved every Oscar it was nominated for. It will keep you thinking about the Roman Empire and loyalty. It will keep you on the edge of your seats. This movie has a great storyline and I recommend it to anybody who enjoys a good movie.
Rating:
Summary: traffic was better
Review: This movie was okay, and maybe i should have given it at least a three, but what I am trying to stress is that this movie, while good, was totally filled with holes in its story that it wasn't even funny. And Russel Crowe' performance was [bad]! The only good scene was when he was crying, with how he acted the rest of the movie, they probably had to zap him with a cattle prod for him to do it. The Academy made one of their worst mistakes this year. They gave Gladiator an oscar for Best picture, and it should have been given to Traffic. And Russell Crowe won the award for Best Actor instead of Ed Harris for Pollock! ( the Academy was probably making up for when they didn't give Crowe an Oscar for "The Insider") Ed Harris was excellent in Pollock, the story of Jackson Pollock a painter who was really crazy, and had a pretty bad life. Traffic was so much better than Gladiator, it makes you wonder how the Academy sleeps at night. Traffic is about the war on drugs. I would tell you more about Traffic, but I want the film to intrigue you from beginning to end as it did me. While I am outraged at the Academy for their mistakes I realize that Academy Awards mean nothing, and it is really if you like the movie or not. So go see Pollock, The Insider, or Traffic. They are excellent movies. Don't waste your money on this garbage.
Rating:
Summary: Snore Fest
Review: This movie was boring and too long. I whatched it with high hopes because all of my friends told me that it was great, but when I whatched it, i couldn't stand it! Was it just me?! StayAway from this mess.
|
