Cool News
The Juice pours in a review of GLADIATOR
Hey folks, Gladiator Harry here with a look at GLADIATOR from AICN regular... The Juice. He's in the same boat as Moriarty in calling this Ridley Scott's best film ever. Personally, I still love BLADE RUNNER more, but I do like GLADIATOR more than ALIEN. And... of course I've only seen GLADIATOR once, and I've had nearly twenty years to love BLADE RUNNER. Maybe in time. We'll see. GLADIATOR however does kick ass like very few films have ever kicked ass. Enjoy The Juice...
Head Geek,
saw Gladiator (can you say infiltration?) some time ago, but there were so
many reviews out on it, I thought I would sit back awhile to send in mine. I
can't contain myself anymore. I must get my feelings out into the wild, and
what better than the geek capitol of the world...
...It begins calmly enough...
A field, a warn and aged hand, caressing the tall ends of the fully grown
wheat. A gentle and composed hum radiates from the background.
Get your rest now cause you won't have a single moment of it later. We all
know Dreamworks is on fire after sweeping the Oscars with American Beauty and
the young studio has a chance to dominate the box-office as well as have an
Oscar contender in Gladiator.
Director Ridley Scott hasn't been this brilliant ever in his career...well I
suppose classic thrillers such as Alien and Blade Runner come close but (in
my humble opinion) this is his most complete/brilliant/and exciting film yet!
We are quickly introduced to Maximus a General in Ancient Rome and under
direct command from an aging Caesar. Maximus is the man, Russel Crowe, an
amazing actor. It has become a cliche merely from reviews of this flick, but
he is set to become a huge star upon this film's release. Crowe deserved best
actor in his role of the Insider but lost to an equally deserving Kevin
Spacey. Maximus lets us know right away that simply put, he is one of the
coolest characters in motion picture history. His deep and smooth voice, his
scruffy beard, his stare, and charisma are uncanny. I am at this moment
developing a religon based around Maximus, much like I did a few years back
around former bad ass of the world William Wallace...move over William
Wallace, Mel Gibson's Braveheart has no battle scene that can hold a candle
to any of Gladiator's pit fighting sequences.
The crowd in the film falls in love with Maximus, chanting his name over and
over again. Soon the audience in the theater caught on, I could not help but
screaming Maximus' name myself. I was gleaming for joy as our Roman hero
impales 10 villains a time with a mere Roman short-sword. Scary enough, my
girlfriend who tends to shun violence screamed in joy at every decapitation,
we were all captivated by the moment.
"I am not your entertainment" cries Maximus
ha, what a crock of...
But the movie is not all blood and guts. It is a romantic tale of love and
revenge. Maximus finds himself fighting for Rome and vowing to kill the new
Caesar who has betrayed him.
The scores are good enough, but they don't stand out in my mind as a
particular strong point. Meaning I didn't notice it to be good or bad, which
I suppose could in fact be a bad thing. But who cares. From the burnt
battle-field in the beginning to the CGI re-birth of the colesium, Scott
chooses his shooting locations with the expertise only a director of his
calibur could. The casting is dead on, not a single part is mis-cast. Russel
Crowe was born to play this role, and this movie was born to be the first
amazing piece of the new millenium. And yes, Jaquin Phoenix escapes the
shadow of his older deceased brother River once and for all. Jaquin plays the
evil Casaer Commedus and his performance is commendable.
So many good things should come from this film. Dreamworks will get the
mega-hit they deserve (I look for it to make well over the 200 million mark
when it is released in May). If it follows the footsteps of Braveheart it
could possibly garner best picture and best director nods, and undoubtedly
Russel Crowe will become as big a name as Tom Cruise or Mel Gibson. But you
guys all know this by now
Gladiator truly is a brilliant work. It is the way a blockbuster movie should
be made. There is a soul behind the amazing special effects and the vengeful
hero. The heavy violence may deter some audiences but I assure you I will see
the film the day it opens again and many times after that. Gladiator is
destined to be a timeless classic.
I guess I'll re-cap with this: I love summer flicks, the scary thing is that
after seeing Gladiator, I'm not anticipating, The Patriot, MI:2, or even
X-Men as much as I wait in sheer joy to see Gladiator, again and again and
again...
Hail Maximus (oh yes, and Head Geek)!
The Juice
-
+ Expand All
-
Unless...it's the Hand 2! This time it's Roman! If the next animation is Harry in a toga, being pursued by killer bees, you'll know I'm right.
-
You are making it hard for me to stay objective and to go in and see this movie without any high hopes. I just saw Braveheart on video about a year ago and I was blown away by that flick.
-
Apr 13, 2000 6:36:01 AM CDT
Caledonian hates ridley scott so he can't say anything witty/cle
by gus goldby
-
You will eat Frosted Flakes or you will die!
-
I predicted it when "L.A. Confidential" came out, and I'm still right. The reviewer's right, he is just like Tom Cruise and Mel Gibson ... only a much better actor than either one. He's got blockbuster potential and "traditional" talent. His performance in "The Insider" should have gotten him the Oscar. In five years, he WILL be, I guarantee you, the number one boxoffice star in this country. The next thing he's gotta do is play the role of Jack McCall in the film adaptation of "Beach Music", Pat Conroy's wonderful novel. For those of you who don't know, Pat Conroy also wrote "The Prince of Tides", which became Barbra Streisand's excellent film. Anyway, "The Prince of Tides" looks like "See Spot Run" next to "Beach Music", but for some reason, it's been stuck in development for years and years. They've got to get somebody like Sydney Pollack to direct, Russell Crowe to star with somebody like Anne Bancroft as his mother, and Pat Conroy to write his own adaptation. It'd be incredible.
-
Not that I ever wondered what gladiators wore under their little ornamental battle skirts, but...thanks for clearing it up.
-
Russell Crowe, not Russel. Joaquin Phoenix, not Jaquin. Commodus, not Commadus. It is a disservice to the actors you are lauding when you don't even have the courtesy to spell their names correctly. That being said, I cannot wait for this movie. Looks great and all the reviews that Harry has been posting are only getting me more excited for it.
-
Blockbusters with engrossing storylines? With great performances as well as great effects? Can it be?
Does anyone else think this last year has been the best for a LONG while? By the way, does anyone know when Gladiator comes out in the UK? I for one, can't wait! -
"The scores are good enough, but they don't stand out in my mind as a particular strong point. Meaning I didn't notice it to be good or bad, which I suppose could in fact be a bad thing."
Uh, no, actually when you don't notice the score, it's a GOOD thing. You're not supposed to be paying attention to the music (from the filmmakers' points of view), you're just supposed to be affected by it. Judging by your review, I'd say they did their job pretty well. -
Gladiator rocks! Not bad for a director who started out making commercials.
-
T&L was easily one of Scott's best efforts; I think it sits right alongside Blade Runner or Alien. In fact, I like it a little more than either of those movies in some ways. We watched T&L again recently, and I was expecting it to have dated badly -- but if anything it's just gotten better with age. (There are a few moments that don't work, but the film overall is too strong to let things like that stop it.)
-
Someone said it earlier we have real directors making movies this summer...and that's why the quality is here..
-
...Gladiator is scheduled to eb released on May 12th in the UK. At least according to the Popcorn.uk Gladiator story today.
--------------------
go to chud.com, we're more fun. -
After yesterday's yawn-inspiring black and white I had figured the well had run dry. But it's great to see them back on track. When I first saw that tiger take Harry out, I nearly shat with laughter. As for the film, I can't wait to see it! Dammit, May 5th, come already! Why must I be one of the unwashed masses who must wait? Could this be the best summer movie season in years? It's certainly shaping up that way.
-
I disagree with your asessment of score within film. My favorite thing about Last of the Mohicans is the beautiful soundtrack pacing the movie.
Scores do stick out and they are supposed to...to say that your not supposed to notice the score is a bit disturbing.
Everyone remembered Bravehearts score, even more emotions are brought out when the Score is heard and "felt"...
And not remembering the score is not a good thing to me about the film. Luckily the images were strong enough to drive emotion through me alone...I could be wrong maybe I really had my attention elsewhere but great Scores are meant to be noticed.. -
I saw a preview for Gladiator, and while it looked awesome, the tigers looked suspiciously CGIy, similar to the alligator in Eraser (you remember, one of those films with Arnold Schqefarj and James Caan). I guess I'm overly sensitized following the Jar Jar Incident, but is it too much to ask that special effects not be instantly obvious as such? The worst part is you inevitably date the film. Ah well, these days I expect to suffer through some CGI in all my films. Those animators must have a hell of a Union.
-
Your "Airplane" reference, being, approximately, the 13,232nd appearence of Graves' line within the talkback forum, is remarkably stale even by, say, Ray Jay Johnson's standards. I haven't a clue how hellish it must be to eke out your wit-starved existence day-to-staggeringly-pathetic-day, but I wouldn't wish it upon my worst enemy. Come to think of it, I wouldn't wish it upon Ray Jay Johnson. Please leave the humor to those who have exhibited an aptitude for it, and darken these talk backs no more.
-
Russell Crowe looks likes he's gonna be a MEMORABLE he-man motor-frocker (MAXIMUS is such a fitting name, since he'll do some maximum ass-kicking) in the movie, and Joaquin Phoenix is playing the emperor ... COMMODUS??? Sounds like a toilet would be an appropriate milieu for that disloyal leader, eh?
-
i wish Ridley would direct the next Star Wars movie! instead of merchandising guru George Lucas.
-
Joey is asked the NAMBLA-esque questions by Captain Oveur. "Johnny" is a common misconception. Much like mistaking child star Emmanuel Lewis for a lawn jockey. Ring the bell now. OK, terrific!
-
Or does anybody in the movie, for that matter? I remember hearing a long time ago that someone fights a rhino in this movie, but now all I hear about are the tigers. Well, it'll be great no matter what. Clear this up for me, okay?
-
Jesse spencer (aka Billy Kennedy) from neighbours...
SCOOPED..
DDuusstt
p.s. read my other post on the Chris Walken/Star Wars news.
once again...
SCOOPED -
I guarantee you that X-Men will suck beyond compare, name the last good comic-turned movie. I can't think of one. Will VEERS watch it without Edward Norton, his self-proclaimed best actor of his generation? You're suspect, MR. Veers.
-
I wouldn't be able to take the wait for LOTR without this movie. Of course, it comes out in a month, so what's gonna consume my attention after that? Long live Russell.
-
...does anyone know if all those crazy stories about him are true? I find them quite intriguing.
-
Decent score,o well guess you cant have everything.Even so i will be there on opening day
-
is anyone else confused by the ads for gladiator? i remember seeing the first commercial for it during the super bowl. i couldn't tell if it was a football movie or a gladiator movie. it's so damn distracting with all the shots of sports thrown in. please, someone make it stop!
oh, and yeah, x-men will blow. very much so. have you even seen the costumes? move over captain america and punisher, the video store's ready for a new marvel entry. (clear some space for spidey while you're at it) -
...are hard just thinking about this movie. When I heard about it a year or so ago I started bugging all of my friends with "Ridley Scott and Russell Crowe! This is going to kick major ass!" I'm stoked, my friends have been worked into a wet lathorous fury and my nipples need pinching.
Cheers,
??Pseudo??
-
from the timing of this review, i would suspect that the author went to the same screening i did. and given the ass-licking nature of the article in question, i'm here to reveal the truth - gladiator, is NOT ridley scott's best movie. it's even an above-average movie. i expected a lot more.
there is no denying that russell crow is badass, much in the tradition of braveheart. the first ten to fifteen minutes rock the house. and a lot of the gladiator sequences really kept my attention. everything else about the film sucked.
(some spoilers follow)
it takes entirely too long for the gladiator stuff to get started. there's the opening battle sequence and then a whole lot of nothing a half hour to 45 minutes. everytime joaquin phoenix came on screen, i had an irresistable impulse to look at my watch. evn in the second half of the movie, where russell crowe finally becomes a gladiator - way too much non-gladiator stuff. yawn.
the ending was completely the working of a lack of creativety and plausibility. the caesar is actually gonna come down and fight a badass like russell crowe. come on. i would have prefered another battle sequence (as maximus had planned). -
had better be realy good. The year is a third over and so far the only decent movie is high fidelity. We didn't use up all of the good movies last year did we? any way, Ridelly scott is the man; I'm sure this will be great
-
Brilliant idea in using the score used in Conan to give it that genre's feel.
-
When i saw the trailer I assumed it was a cgi tiger, but the latest premeire told me otherwise. They used four of them - two American, two French. The French tigers, the guy said, were "fuckers" and the American ones were "pussycats" but could have been "fuckers". I thought that was amusing. Scott said that with long lenses a tiger 10 feet away looked right up close. And that for a shot with contact, the Russell Crowe double got bit through some steel armor, into his arm, leaving a hole in the metal the size of a quarter. He asked for some iodine then "fed and slapped the tiger around." Man, movie sets are weird. Oh, the latest Gladiator commercial is awesome, I dig the gladiator/modern athlete comparison. Of course the coolest part was when this poor bastard's just looking at him barely in frame when Maximus is about to lop off his head with a short sword and axe. There's something unhealthy about that last sentence. Oh, as far as the score goes, I don't think you're supposed to be noticing it too much until the second or third viewing. I mean, I always try to listen for good scores because I end up buying them if they kick ass, but usually I lose track of them and absorb the experiance. But the score music of the full trailer is indication that it will be great. And as far as my opinions of this movie's potential greatness and all of the raving going on, I definately think it'll be awesome. Oh well, whatever.
-
I agree with Suede,
this definitely wasn't Ridley Scott's best film, not even close.
It was entertaining, but a little slow. I expected more, a lot more. Not enough action, not enough drama, and the ending ... dissapointing, very weak.
Russell Crowe, however, was excellent. This actor rocks.
I'll still see this movie again when it comes out, I hope they re-edit it, and cut it down more though. The pace needs to be picked up.
As for other great movies this summer, I think Emmerich is going to surprise everybody with Patriot. That looks like it's going to be a better film than Gladiator. -
Apr 13, 2000 9:33:30 PM CDT
Yes,but why did poor Harry have to lost a limb in it's wake?
by user id indeed!
Poor Harry.I wish that snooty Alicia Silverstone was in his place...nobody'd miss her!That cow-worshiping hippie hasn't been in a movie for 1 year,3 months.Then the tiger would get at her...how's that for irony?A vegetarian getting devoured alive by a tiger!!Or,more importantly,what caused me to think of Silverstone?Am I sliding even farther down the gaping esophagus of insanity?I wondered why I'm typing amid a sea of wriggling villa.Go figure,huh?Anyhoo,if the tiger ate Alicia...I'd..hee hee...I'd sure be..snicker...GLAD HE ATE HER!!!Bwaaa ha ha ha haaaa!!Ya get it?Gladiator!Glad-he-ate-her!!!Heh heh heh...whew.Fun fun.Hey Niiice...are you ignoring my week-old email on purpose,or.....yeah.See you guys at my last day of AICN for a week tomorrow!!!This has been a Masturbating in the Shower Moment with User ID Indeed!That was inspired by "Beauty",not by real life,BTW...
-
FYI: Historically speaking, the Emperor Commodus DID fight gladatorial bouts in the Colosseum, so the movie isn't stretching plausibility very far with that notion. On the other hand, I don't know if ol' Commodus' matches were played fair, or if he cheated (he was a total git). :)
-
You bet your ass he cheated.
-
First, I hope you were being sarcastic about SupermanIV and The Punisher Veers. The suck major ass. Popeye I like. Sorry. I am a Robin Williams mark. Alceste, lighten the fuck up on Mr. Twig. I didn't read that line once except on his talkback. I'm sure YOU are soooo much funnier. Right? Sick of people being complete assholes for no other reason than to try to appear sophisticated. Sorry Alceste but by blasting Twig, YOU appear to be the ass. Heres hoping YOU darken these posts no more. Asshole!
-
First, I hope you were being sarcastic about SupermanIV and The Punisher Veers. The suck major ass. Popeye I like. Sorry. I am a Robin Williams mark. Alceste, lighten the fuck up on Mr. Twig. I didn't read that line once except on his talkback. I'm sure YOU are soooo much funnier. Right? Sick of people being complete assholes for no other reason than to try to appear sophisticated. Sorry Alceste but by blasting Twig, YOU appear to be the ass. Heres hoping YOU darken these posts no more. Asshole!
-
Allow me to whisk up the proverbial gauntlet, and retort to your rather puerile allegations. Citing Peter Graves' pedophilic remark from "Airplane" in a "Gladiator" talkback has become as moldy a cliche as disparaging Joel Schumacher's fetishitic Batsuit design. Had you the most basic reading comprehension skills, this would be readily apparent. As for any appearance of sophistication on behalf, it is no mere facade, Wolvie, but real as your struggles with the intricacies of long division, or holding down a job stocking shelves at the local market. Now, if you will please leave me be, I have more verbal buggery which needs attending.
-
I was at Harry's S.F. Geek-Fest
and I found the movie totally absorbing. What the fuck we're you smokin? Gladiator had a shit load
of action, it looked great, with an excellent cast plus a dagger in somebody's ass every 15 minutes ! The story had a more
personal side than Blade Runner
which was unexpected... Suede, if somebody ran over
your ONLY child, rapped, burnt
and hung your wife on your front
door, would you be pissed enough to
wait for the right moment to grab
the little fucker who gave the order and run a knife
through his guts??? Ya, sounds like a boring subplot to me...this
movie was better than Conan, Ben Hur, Brave Heart, El Cid and maybe
even Sparticus ! It had all the action I expected plus a very human story. It will make a butt
load of money, considering it's only competition is Battlefield Earth. To Halcyon Flay...
..Caesar cheats in the final duel with Maximus. --Syd. -
Go to bangornews.com, bottom of
page under Style,The Big Guy.
They don't have the newspaper
photos though. Imagine a 7'1"
360 lb. Capt. Lou Albano. -
The guy mentioned it in the first post, but I thought I'd throw it out there again. Does anyone recall a little film called "Romper Stomper"? It came out early 90's I believe. An Australian import. It's about a gang of neo-Nazi skinheads (no, that's not redundant) in Melbourne, Australia. Russell Crowe plays the leader of the gang, Hando - as badass as they come. This guy would trounce Edward Norton's "American History X" character. Rather disturbing. Goofy ending. Killer soundtrack (lots of white-power music - vomit in its own but used extremely effectively in the movie - along with some brassy orchestral pieces). "American History X" in comparison would seem to take a more intellectual approach to rascism and bigotry, whereas this movie shows the more disturbing, animalistic product of hate. I highly suggest that all you Russell Crowe worshippers give it a look. You will not be disappointed.
-
These animations are genius.the tiger one is the best so far.It can only be a matter of time before Harry gets his own saturday morning cartoon show!
-
I believe it is May 19th.
-
I already MADE my full pot of coffee this morning, I didn't need to wake up to the image of your bare ass flying through the breeze!
And I like the tiger. It's about time Tony had some ass-kicking roles, he's usually so mellow. Frosted Gladiators are part of a good-for-you breakfast. They're GrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrEAT! -
Who is the author of the original music for the film?
Vangelis, Horner (no, please), Goldsmith...?
How much good is the music? -
News just in: Harry Knowles has ass kicked by Tigger.
-
I thought up that subject line, but I'll let anyone use it. Heck, you can quote it in the commercials, since this movie really does kick butt. I haven't been as entertained in the theaters in a while. After Harry's screening, I wanted to see this one again, but tragically, I have to wait until May... "On my signal, --unleash Hell."
-
Well allow ME to take up the gauntlet. Alceste, while I am sure your witty remarks about myself and Twig serve to impress the catholic school boys you are trying to sleep with, you are a laughable intellectual. I am sure mommy helps look up those big words for you. I imagine you must store up reserves of energy from your nights in front of the computer eating Burger King and sipping Mountain Dew straight from the 2 liter bottle so you can have the basic motor skills required to sit on your fat ass and type those witty remarks. I have a job making more than your simple ass can ever hope to accomplish. If you would but move out of your mothers basement, get your dream job at Toys r Us, maybe you can hope to get into a junior college that will feel sorry for you.( Since we know you are never going to a real college.) Also exercise will do wonders for that celulite amassing it self on your extremities. With a daily shower (which I am sure you skip to avoid time that could be better spent trying to get Darkwolf the elf to the twelvth level) you may yet be excepted into society. I hope you take this in the best way. Otherwise may you rot in the hell that is you sorry existance!!
-
I have seen "Gladiator" as well a few weeks ago and I must have seena different picture that you guys who are referring to it as Ridley's best.
I thought the movie was o.k. but very Hollywood and come on - the plot was visible a thousand miles away. One surprise would have been nice.
As a popcorn summer movie I think this movie works - but a masterpiece? From the guy who made "Alien" and "Blade Runner"????
I think you guys are on crack! -
In response to Seven11's absolutely mindless comment about not casting an Australian for Aniken in episode 2, have a look at where a lot of movies are being produced lately. Sydney, Australia. Surely the directors/producers know where the goods are... and there are a lot of good young Auzzie actors out there. I might be bias, hailing from Oz, but I think you Yanks should take a back seat for a while and let some fresh, non "American Values" actors play pivitol roles in upcoming movies.
Cheers. -
Not bad for a colonial, eh? I could be wrong, but I seem to remember reading somewhere that Crowe is actually New Zealand born, but raised in Oz and pretty much considers himself Australian. What? A Kiwi being claimed as Australia's own? Who could imagine such a thing? ;-) By the way, while we're talking previous Crowe efforts, has anyone seen "The Sum of Us" - just thought I'd throw that one in...
-
Just saw Gladiator tonight in Dallas. I could not have written a review any better than the one you have just written. My thoughts exactly! It was better than Braveheart which in itself is a great picture. After seeing Gladiator there is no way any other anticipated blockbuster will come close to it in story, casting, action etc.
Awesome review. SEE THIS MOVIE IMMEDIATLY upon release in your city.
Readers Talkback
User Login
Top Talkbacks
- Whitney Houston 1963 - 2012 -- 439 total posts 159 posts
- WTF HOLLYWOOD: SOLARBABIES -- 144 total posts 142 posts
- Herc’s Seen Tonight’s Return Of THE WALKING DEAD!! Discuss Also DOWNTON ABBEY, FEAR FACTOR, PAN AM, ONCE, SIMPSONS, DYNAMITE, LUCK, SHAMELESS, BAIT CAR, THE GRAMMYS And More!! Sunday Is Sweeps Day 11!! -- 155 total posts 140 posts
- Avid Comic Reader Hercules Does Battle With Tedium During Kevin Smith’s COMIC BOOK MEN! -- 55 total posts 45 posts
- There's a STAR TREK video game that is going to lead into JJ's STAR TREK 2 apparently... -- 196 total posts 45 posts
- I am The Behind the Scenes Pics of the Day! No, I’m the Behind the Scenes Pic of the Day! -- 35 total posts 35 posts
- If the Behind the Scenes Pics of the Day drops her pen, pick it up, but don’t look at her legs or else it will be on your record. -- 60 total posts 34 posts
- New JUDGE DREDD post production footage pops up -- 127 total posts 32 posts
- To Commemorate The 3D Release Of STAR WARS EPISODE I: THE PHANTOM MENACE, George Lucas Wants You To Know...Greedo Shoots First!! -- 513 total posts 29 posts
- The Sensorties Revisit The Friday Docback (And Still Smell)!! DOCTOR WHO Story #7 Again, The Coming Of Season/Series 7, And More!! -- 118 total posts 27 posts