Rating: 
Summary: Very good
Review: I was never a fan of Brad Pitt but he made this movie. He was superb as a fearless warrior. Can't say the same about Orlando Bloom as a Paris. He came across as too effeminine and the thought of him as a fighter just doesn't fly. Yes, this movie is hardly historicly accurate but still, very enjoyable to watch.
Rating: 
Summary: "Troy" marks Brad Pitt's best performance in years!!
Review: A couple of months ago, I saw the highly anticipated epic, "Troy", at the theater. I, for one, must say that the film was, without a doubt, one of the most impressive and action-packed epics ever made since Russell Crowe's "Gladiator" and Charlton Heston's "Ben-Hur"! The direction of Wolfgang Petersen ("Air Force One") was top-notch and flawless! The performance of superstar Brad Pitt ("Snatch", "Ocean's Eleven"), headlining the film's cast as the Greek warrior Achilles, was powerful and commanding! Once again, this is Pitt's best performance in years! The performance of Eric Bana ("The Hulk", "Black Hawk Down"), as Achilles' Trojan counterpart, Prince Hector, was not only a tour de force performance, but an unforgettable one at that! Rounding out the cast are Orlando Bloom ("The Lord of the Rings" trilogy), Diane Kruger ("Wicker Park", "National Treasure"), Brian Cox ("The Ring"), Brendan Gleeson ("Cold Mountain"), Sean Bean ("Don't Say A Word"), Saffron Burrows ("Wing Commander"), Rose Byrne ("Star Wars: Episode II -- Attack of the Clones"), Julie Christie ("Afterglow"), and Peter O'Toole ("Lawrence of Arabia") in which they gave excellent performances as well!For those not familiar with Homer's "The Iliad", the oldest and most enduring story ever told, "Troy" goes like this: Trojan princes Hector (Bana) and Paris (Bloom) are on a peace-keeping errand for their father, King Priam (O'Toole), in Sparta. Paris falls for King Menelaus' (Gleeson) lovely young bride Helen (Kruger), and Paris whisks Helen back to Troy for his own. Big mistake for Paris! Because with Helen missing, not to mention Menelaus presenting the problem to his brother, the land-grabbing Super-monarch Agamemnon (Cox), who uses the problem as an excuse to start a war between Troy and most of Greece, and only a great, big wooden horse and the might of warrior-for-hire Achilles (Pitt) can infiltrate the impenetrable walls of Troy and avenge the "theft" of Helen. To take on the role of Achilles, Brad Pitt worked out ferociously for months, with four hours a day of intensive body-building and four hours of fight training. But Pitt's training took a turn for the worse as an injury sidelined him for three months while filming a crucial fight scene: the mano-a-mano showdown between Achilles and Hector (In other words, Pitt had damaged his Achilles heel, paying homage to his character). Yet physically, Pitt is everything that Achilles should be: beautiful, god-like, and a fighting machine. Yet, Achilles is not a brooding, James Dean, introspective Hamlet-type, which is how he is played by Pitt. Achilles is a hero with a tragic flaw (almost always hubris). "The Iliad", like the writings of the ancient Greeks, is not about language or character development. It's about larger-than-life themes: gods, goddesses, vengeance and might, and fury and fate. With fate behind all decisions, there is almost no need for character because there is no inner struggle. The Greek myths are painted in the broadest of strokes to create the largest of pictures. The story of this is saddled with a mortality and humanity that saps it of what makes it great in the first place: infinity. Nonetheless, "Troy" proved a whole lot. Pitt, a superstar and a member of Hollywood's $20-million club, has only carried a blockbuster once: "Se7en", and that was nine years ago. Likewise, the success of "Troy", to me, had a lot to say about the leading-man future of Eric Bana, whose supporting performance was the best thing about Ridley Scott's "Black Hawk Down" in 2001, but who languished as last year's "Hulk" in the Ang Lee film. Pitt did an excellent job in the film because he's buff and fights well, and we all know he can act from "Se7en" and "Twelve Monkeys", and he should have hits well into the near future. It will be long, however, before a romantic comedy or courtroom drama will test Orlando Bloom's mettle. But so long as he's shooting arrows ("The Lord of the Rings" films) and buckling swashes ("Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl") in the company of $200 million-grossing Hobbits and pirates, he's safe. It's Bana who is the revelation as Hector. His warrior physique and huge, vulnerable eyes mix perfectly for a romantic hero. Fortunately, "Troy" follows the model of all great and not-so-great Hollywood epics by having a multi-national cast with British accents for characters who wouldn't have spoken English, anchored by the last surviving British theatrical aristocracy. That's why we get screen legend Peter O'Toole as King Priam, who, dusted off, is still the best actor in any scene he's in. In conclusion, "Troy" has it all: a great cast, spectacular action, a powerful storyline, and extraordinary, larger-than-life characters! My advice about the film is: Come for the Brad Pitt, savor the Orlando Bloom, and stay for the Eric Bana. And never, NEVER, under any circumstances, underestimate Peter O'Toole. "Troy", without a doubt, is a DVD must-have when it's released!
Rating:
Summary: Petersen's Big Fat Greek Epic
Review: Because of its being based on one of the most famous and widely-known epic tales of all time, "The Iliad", Hollywood certainly had a difficult task with "Troy". Under a hot spotlight for historical accuracy, director Wolgang Petersen does steer away from the original story, but does a fine job to bring such an extensive series of events to the screen. For those who do not know the story, King Menelaus of Sparta is outraged when he discovers that his beautiful wife Helen (Diane Kruger) has run off with the young Trojan prince Paris (Orlando Bloom). He seeks help from his greedy and mischevious brother Agammemnon, who convinces Menelaus to start a war to conquer Troy and bring Helen back to Sparta. In an act of desperation, Agammemnon recruits loose-cannon Achilles (Brad Pitt), one of the greatest warriors of all time to lead the fight. Fighting for the Trojans is the legendary soldier Hector (Eric Bana), eldest son of King Priam (Peter O'Toole) and brother to Paris. What begins is one of the greatest and most widely-recognized tales of all time, which eventually leads to the Trojan horse, and the fall of Troy. Performance wise, "Troy" tries to rely heavily on its A-list ensemble cast for the movie's backbone, and luckily, most of the performances are spot on. As the reluctant hero and family man Hector, Eric Bana gives a suprisingly deep and emotionally solid performance. He molds himself to the character, and gives one of the best performances in the film. Orlando Bloom puts his doe-eyes and innocent face to good use in the role of Paris, and envelopes the torn and somewhat pathetic character well. Newcomers Diane Kruger and Rose Byrne are solid in their roles as the prominent female characters Helen and Briseis, respectively. A bulked up and perfectly tanned Brad Pitt gives a good, but not great performance as Achilles, and Peter O'Toole gives a wonderful cameo as King Priam. The scene between Priam and Achilles is one of the best in the film. Although the performances are a main focus of the picture, the action and battle sequences are what really make this movie. Huge numbers of extras and large choreographed fight scenes pay off in a realistic, bloody and poignant picture of ancient warfare. "Troy" does alter history quite a bit to give it a more Hollywood feel, which to some effect, diminishes parts of the epic tale. However, the adaptations made to the script work well, and are credible considering the ominious task of bring a ten-year-long war to life. One of the most anticipated (and not to mention most expensive) epic films of the spring, Wolfgang Petersen's "Troy" is a fine and enjoyable movie. Sure, it has its flaws, like any other film, but the fantastic battle sequences, solid performances, beautiful scenery and music, and not to mention the constant presence of half-naked Greeks makes for a good day at the cinema.
Rating: 
Summary: Unfaithful, badly edited, and a horrible score
Review: Come now, how can we have Agamemnon killed during the Trojan War? Anyone who knows their ancient legends knows that he was killed later by his wife Clytemnestra for bringing Cassandra back with him, not to mention sacrificing their daughter for favorable winds.
That aside, the editing on this movie is so bad, I'm surprised anyone was willing to release it. There are more than a few cuts that make little or no sense and serve no apparent purpose. Editing is one of those things that you only notice if it's bad, and I noticed it BIG time in Troy.
Soundtrack: The producers be damned for this one. The original score was beautiful; haunting yet epic, very ancient. Took the original composer something like a year to write. Petersen made the mistake of showing the rough cut of the movie to the production/studio execs, which is never done. Now we know why. For some ungodly reason, the producers didn't like it, so the composer didn't get paid. Instead, James Horner came in and scored the movie in less than a month. And it showed.
If you're on the fence about this one, get back on the other side, it's not worth your money.
Rating:
Summary: Very Good - But Not Gladiator.
Review: From the start, I think most of us knew that this was never going to be as great as 2000's epic, Gladiator, for two reasons - one, an epic like this had already been done (taking away its Hollywood originality) and two, its leading star, Brad Pitt, was never going to be good enough to give an Oscar winning performance. Although saying that, he portrayed the posing Achilles well, along with other good cast members such as Brendan Gleeson as Menelaus, Brian Cox playing the powerful Agamemnon and Eric Bana playing the well respected warrior and Prince, Hector. With some tremendous battle scenes, entertaining sword fights and magnificent scenery (filmed in Malta), Troy does not fail to please the viewer. Based on Homer's historic poem 'The Iliad', this film follows many in their pursuits of victory, revenge, love and peace in a time of war. Perhaps not the most gripping or moving of films, you do at least have some care for the characters, yet I strongly believe with perhaps a stronger cast for certain roles, and a better script, Troy could have been one of the all time greats. Yet despite this - Troy is a must see.
Rating: 
Summary: The ruins of Troy
Review: I can imagine the difficulties in condensing Homer's Illiad into a workable film script. The story takes place over ten years, and though loosely based on the exploits of AChilles, in contains many divergences and side plots, which are suitable in Greek Epic but out of place in Hollywood movies.
Troy is a complete failure. One may argue that the many digressions from the Greek original (It is surprising to see Achilles emerge from the Horse, for instance, considering he was dead before then) or the absence of Gods are the fatal flaws in it. While these do not help, it is the feeble characterisation and lack of any elevation of tone (such is in Homer) that are the real problems. Agamemnon, leader of the greeks, becomes a cheap hissable villian, as does his brother, the brutish Menelaus. The Trojans are likewise simplified and tirned into action movie cliches. Paris is a naive lover, Hector a gallant warrior and Priam is referred to by Achilles as a better leader than Agamemnon. So childishly simplistic is the representation that Troy could better be re-named Hector's House.
In Homer's original and Shakespeare's later telling of the Trojan war in Troilus And Cressida the action starts In Medias Res (in the middle of the action). This demonstrates the difference between a skillful dramatist and the hacks responsible for this. We have a prolonged opening (about half an hour or more) which takes place before the war so by the time battle commences the audience are already bored. The actual war is truncated that it seems over in a few days not the ten arduous years in took in reality.
Still, the trojans, at least, have some nobility about them, and thus, some proximity to Homer's epic. The greek invaders are a terrible horde of cut-throats. Is this meant to be a satire on American foreign policy? If so, it fails dismally in all the big action cliches and poorly drawn characters.
Worst of all, is Achilles. Reduced from one of the greatest of all heroes to a stereotypical pouting mayerick, loose-cannon etc...etc...you know the type...he is shorn of all nobility and his love interest, a very minor thing in Homer, is made his chief motivation, leading to one of the yuckiest endings I've ever seen.
This film is constantly referring to 'names that will live forever'. Sadly, this film does nothing to perpetuate them, and its own fate is complete and utter oblivion.
Rating:
Summary: A really good piece of entertainment..
Review: I have read many other reviews which complain about how different this movie is from Homer's Illiad. I have read the Illiad and agree with them, it is different. However, the title of this movie is not "THE ILLIAD"; the title is Troy. Yes, a few things have been changed, and a few deaths unplanned, but overall the story is great and sticks to the main plot. The movie itself is a masterpiece with extraordinary special effects and a cast of talented actors. If talent is not your thing, then the eye candy will hopefully do. Troy is a gripping and poetic film which I reccomend watching.
Rating:
Summary: Great movie!
Review: I rented this expecting a movie along the lines of Braveheart, King Arthur, etc. I was not disappointed. While the dialogue was not nearly up to par as with the aforementioned movies, the movie was still fantastic.
Lots of action, just enough love, and well cast characters. It was a great movie from beginning to end. I do wish that there had been more background and history (particularly regarding Achilles), but the movie is long enough as is and would have ventured into unwatchable if it had been stretched any longer.
Rating: 
Summary: Immortality! Take it, its yours!
Review: I was highly anticipating the release of this film and unfortunately I was slightly let down. First and foremost, there are changes to Homer's story that should not have been included. (Revealing these changes would spoil too much of the plot) The movie ends quite abruptly and leaves the moviegoer hanging for a more fulfilling finish. The acting in this film is divided - some performances are great where others are lacking. Brad Pitt's Achilles is the perfect embodiment of the powerful, sometimes overconfident warrior who's thirst for blood does not hinder his ability to show respect. Eric Bana also gives a wonderful performance as the righteous Trojan prince, Hector. The battle between Hector and Achilles is a treat for the eye on screen. A notable mention is Peter O'Toole's King Priam. O'Toole brings a patriarchal feel to the character of Priam and he is a sharp contrast to the "King of Kings,"Agamemnon who is out to capture Troy for no more than personal gain. Also, my favorite performance in the entire film is that of Sean Bean who plays Odysseus. Quick witted and sharp-tongued, Odysseus is friend to Achilles and a great warrior in his own right. I would have like to see more of Sean Bean in the film. As for Diane Kruger who plays Helen, I give her credit as this is her first major role and she basically had to look beautiful and kiss Orlando Bloom. As for Orlando, my love of his visage has clearly deterred my ability to fairly criticize his performance. Plot modifications and acting aside, Troy's battle sequences are on a grand scale as is the set design and costuming. In that sense, the film is visually stunning. Troy keeps your attention and doesn't drag, but do not go into this film looking for a masterpiece. Finally, a note to female fans - you will have no problem staring at the men of Troy for two and a half hours!
Rating:
Summary: A Beautiful War
Review: If you happen to be a fan of Homer's epic, be warned that it is time, place, and character that are the same but not truly the story. Filled with beautiful people, scenes and clothes, this movie misses the mark. Helen could no more inspire me to go to dinner than to war and I need to eat to live. Orlando Bloom as Paris, is so beautiful of a boy that it is unbelievable that he would have the requirements needed to steal another man's wife, no matter how usavory the other man proved to be. Yet he would be just the fool to wage a ten year war over a woman. Only in the movie the war accounts for slightly over 12 days worth of action.
How the Greeks managed to be so hard up that after 12 days or so of war they need to build a wooden horse to enter the city is beyond me. However Hector is amazingly played as are most of the other roles, with the exception of Achilles who falters here and there. You manage to be blinded by the beauty of the spectcale presented to you, and when you begin to object to the brusing of Homer's great works you see Brad Pitt semi-naked and forget all about it. For that alone I give this move 3stars and well worth seeing. You should know, that if you plan to see this move instead of reading the book you will fail. Neither is this movie a match to the TV movie of the Odyssey which manages to capature the book and you along with it. But Brad Pitt naked should not be missed.
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