Gladiator

It’s honestly a crime I haven’t seen this film till now. Luckily, I got to see it for the first time on the big screen tonight at my local theater! It was a great experience. This movie is a real masterpiece. The production design is among some of the best I’ve ever seen. This movie, feels so real, and so lived in. So many incredible sets and locations. Pair this with the incredible costume design and you’ve got something marvelous to look at. One thing you can always count on with Ridley Scott, is his films look and feel incredible. The story here was very engaging and I found myself very drawn to its characters. Everyone here performs their hearts out, but the real MVP’s here are Russell Crowe and Joaquin Phoenix. These two absolutely steal the show when they are on the screen. I thought both their characters were very fleshed out and well written. I cared so much for Maximus and I thought Commodus was a villainous presence.  The battle and action sequences are incredible! Some of the shots are jaw dropping honestly. What Ridley Scott was able to capture in camera is honestly so impressive. So much amazing stunt works, props, and practical effects went into these sequences and it feels and looks authentic. Great stuff!  My biggest issue with the film was around the third act the film does start to stall. It does not get boring per se, but you do feel the runtime around there. Luckily it picks back up for the finale and carries it home. Also there’s a lot of that 2000’s slow shutter speed effect that is honestly just distracting and dumb. Incredible film! I plan to watch the extended cut before the release of Gladiator 2!