Gladiator

I don't know why it took me so long to watch this film. I had always had it on my watchlist of mine, and I've got tons of Ridley Scott to watch, but I just hadn't. Weird, but I of course get to it when I have a paper due tomorrow at midnight. I think I can live with my decision... Not that I'm the first to analyze this of course, but the shots in this film are just outrageously beautiful. From slo-mo slices to gory gashes to awe-inspiring wide shots, the dance between the choreography and the camera is amazing. A++ to Phoenix, who fuckin kills it here, as he always seems to do when playing a love-lacking lunatic. Crowe gets an A++ from me as well; it's something his serious face shows that exudes courage, and the smirk is contagious. Some actors have IT, these two for sure do. The movie's pacing felt quick with spaced (necessary) gasps for air, giving us that bloody gruesome action sequences we all want, but doing enough to satisfy the drama of a Roman Emperor story. I enjoyed this a ton. Badass film. 5/5. However, has the potential to go down to a 4.5/5 in a rewatch depending on the only minor problem I had: how much I notice the gas canister under the chariot (F you, Reddit!) This is my first review, please let me know what you guys think of my writing/opinion/absolutely anything. I'm new to this and would love to get better :)