Gladiator

Review: Muck like Kubrick's (A Clockwork Orange, Full Metal Jacket, Eyes Wide Shut, 2001: A Space Odyssey, Paths of Glory) Spartacus, Gladiator has nearly everything going for it, a wonderful supporting cast, great special effects, and a decent script. Ridley Scott (Blade Runner, Alien) has brilliantly recreated the Roman Coliseum and the city of Rome in general. The visuals are breathtaking and often beautiful. Joaquin Phoenix (Quills) plays Commodus brilliantly carrying this film to a higher level. Russell Crowe is effective in the lead (although I don't think he deserved the Best Actor award).The hate and anger between Maximus and Commodus is revealed early and builds throughout the film. The music in the film is incredible and has left an impact on me...I highly recommend buying this soundtrack. There are similar themes to Mel Gibson's Braveheart, but I believe Gladiator is the better film. In summary, Gladiator is essentially about betrayal, love, jealousy, and most importantly...vengeance. -Review by Aaron Caldwell