Nothing to say!!! - Gladiator Reviews

The best movie that I've never seen before. The greatest, the biggest and the best for me. This movie have ALL THAT YOU CAN THINK OF. all actors are TOO GOOD especially Russell Crowe. Now I'm waitting for GLADIATOR 2(2006) and I too want in GLADIATOR 2 Russell Crowe will return. You know, I watched this movie more than 40 times.

The most innovative movie in decades! - Gladiator Reviews

I watched my special edition DVD of this tremendous work of art for the 19th time today, and I just had to write a review. People talk about films going into uncharted waters - well, this masterpiece not only goes in, but it dives in and sinks about 3,000 feet - that's how different it was than any other film ever made. Some morons may say it's just a rehash of Braveheart or Spartacus or Ben-Hur or Cleopatra or Clash of the Titans or ... well, you get the picture how dumb some people are. The way that Russell Crowe refuses to show any varying form of expression for 3/4 of the film was among the bravest choices ever made by an actor and he certainly deserved Best Actor for it. Same goes for the film as a whole - Ridley Scott achieved something no one else ever has: an epic film centering around a character who lost everything and then came back to defeat his nemesis. I can't believe that some people actually thought retread films like Traffic or Wonder Boys should have won Best Picture. Gladiator is, hands down, the best film ever made and it will stand the test of time for at least 10-15 years.

How could it get a b from the critics?!!? - Gladiator Reviews

This is one of my all time favorite movies. I liked the story to begin with. The acting was awesome. The fighting scenes were amazing especially the fight that included using real tigers. They made the colesseum look very realistic. A very nice closure to the movie as well.

Great movie - Gladiator Reviews

Overall, I think that Gladiator is a great movie. The acting is superb, as well as almost everything else. The one place where I think Gladiator lacked was perhaps the absence of an original script. To me, this is script shares quite a bit with Hamlet, only instead of in Denmark, it takes place in Rome. Other than that, the movie was really special.

The best film i have seen so far - Gladiator Reviews

This movie has everything from action to romance. The special-effects are great. this is one of the very few action movies that has a story. and the story is so moving my mother was crying at the end of the movie. i hape we can see more movies with this quality.

The colisseum lives - Gladiator Reviews

I LOVED THIS MOVIE BECAUSE THERE WAS SO MUCH BLOOD AND GOR I DAMN GOOD TIME SEEIING THIS ******* AWESOME MOVIE. IT WAS SO TIGHT BECAUSE OF THE BRUTAL AND GRUESOME COILISSEUM BATTLES. WOO HOO GO MAXIMUS!!!

Russel crowe - Gladiator Reviews

Gladiator is a fantastic movie keeps you in action.The producer succeed and touches audience's soul.I do not thing there is any person who dislike this movie.Russel Crowe is one of the best actors in Hollywood.

What woman did not fall in love with russell crowe - Gladiator Reviews

After the making of Gladiator, I had a new found respect and admiration for Russell Crowe. The movie was absolutely breath-taking and his role was somewhat of an amazement in my opinion. I fell in love with his character and the bravery he portrayed. That is why Gladiator is and will always be one of my all time favorites...

Maximus the gladiator!!! - Gladiator Reviews

First of all let me start of by saying this movie rocked. Lead by a good story this movie was beautifully done and mastered. I must say this movie is one of a kind that makes a person shut their eyes while tearly from tears. Great Movie this indeed was!!!!!

Better then expected! - Gladiator Reviews

When I first saw the trailer for this film in 2000 I was sure it would be great. When I saw it I couldn't believe just how amazing it really was! This is a story that isn't ment for the faint of heart. the action sequences are breath taking as well as memorable. Crowe puts on a performence that is just incredible convincing. If you still have yet to see this film then just go out and buy it for it is totally worth the price that your gonna pay. One more thing to add, the visuals in this film are just mind boggling at times.

Maximus and his bleedin' vengence - Gladiator Reviews

Damn good, this movie is brilliant, it has that j phoenix in it and russel crowe in a skirt. Is it just me or is anyone else scared by the fact he looks best in womens attire.

Favorite movie of all time - Gladiator Reviews

Gladiator was my favorite movie of all time! I loved Russel Crowe in this movie! joaquin phoenix was beyond fabulous in this movie. i would see it over and over and over just to see Russel and Joaquin.

Way to stick to the story - Gladiator Reviews

This movie was great instead of good, but not because of the terrific actions scenes, not because of the performance of a lifetime by Russel Crow, and not because of the supporting cast that exceeded their starpower. The reason that this movie was great is because it did not cheapen the story, so man times movies will cheapen history for entertainment and this movie did a great job of following closely what Marcus experienced.

Blood and sand - Gladiator Reviews

This film is like the great epic films of the 1950's and 1960's such films as Spartacus and Ben-Hur.The visuals effects bring you back to that period in history.The directing is Ridley Scott at his best.

Awesome - Gladiator Reviews

but by now you know that. This movie should be in everyone's collection. Historical, adventurous, war time hero against all odds. Great evil character and underlying story of love, loyality and faith. Great!!!!!

Magnificent. - Gladiator Reviews

Nobody will ever get closer in portraying Rome in its great days. Gladiator not only won best film of the year in various award programs but is also said to be the best film in Hollywood's history. Although most audiences have loved this epic, if you want to see Julia's smile or laugh at Adam Sandler then this might not impress you that much. I absolutely love Gladiator. It doesn't only show the high and mighty Caesers "bravely" ruling their countries, it shows a fallen General who picks himself up and fights his way on as a Gladiator. The story is well constructed, it conflicts here and there but isn't too complex. It's also comforting to know that this isn't just another idea spawned from a Hollywood mind, this really happened (to a certain extent). Ridley Scott (director of Gladiator) is simply the storyteller, not the creator.

One word - Gladiator Reviews

Wow. What a film, and what a job well done. The story did get a little slow moving along the lines, but it's an oscar movie so what can you expect. The music at time didn't seem to fit, such as the fitting scenes, but overall great job.

The best movie of all time - Gladiator Reviews

this is my favorite movie ever and i have many reasons but most importantly i loved the story and the action, i really loved the acting also this movie was really underated and deserved more action at the oscars.

The gladiator - Gladiator Reviews

A fantasic film!!! It will keep you on the edge of your seat through the entire film!!! The acting was great! This is the best I have ever seen of Russell Crowe, he plays the role so well you start to forget the fact that your watching an actor and not the real thing. Joaquin Phoenix was absolutly breath taking, he played the part of a mad man so well you would probably think that in real life he was insane! The action in the film was thrilling, everything from the battle in the begining to the gladiator figths. It is one of the best films I have seen!

Stunning! - Gladiator Reviews

I can first remeber seeing Gladiator in the cinema and I hadn't seen any trailers for it which is quite a surprise for me, but when I saw it, I was stunned, breath taking!!! It's a thoroughly excellent way to spend ure money at the cinema!!lol It's one of those films which are more enjoyable the more times you see it too. The effects, acting and direction are all superb which you can expect from cast and crew involved. One thing in particular I can remember is turning to my mate as we both glared at the opening battle scene and thinking wow! The emotion, storyline and high octane battle scenes will keep the film imprinted on your brain forever!!! go see it if you haven't yet!!!!

Incredible - Gladiator Reviews

This movie is superb!!! Russel Crowe gives a riveting and beleivable performance as a general in the Roman Empire who is deposed and works his way through the gladiatorial ranks and defines and empire.

Powerhouse movie !!! - Gladiator Reviews

the cinematography speaks for itself.. the refined performances of phoenix and crowe proved a well-defined movie that will be told forever.... it pays to sit in a 3-hour movie and crunch ur favourite popcorn.... tremendous performances.... a great movie of the year!!!

The best action movie - Gladiator Reviews

This is the best film I have watched. Acting and theme is perfect and seems to be realistics. Thrilling, Exciting. The acting of Maximus is A++++.

Phoenix and crowe are awesome - Gladiator Reviews

Phoenix and Crowe were so good in this movie that I just watched it in awe. This wasn't like other movies that rely on the gore in them to make them appealing, this movie HAD to show that brutality, but even though it was in there, it didn't overpower the story. The acting was superb and i love the music, it nearly brought me to tears. This isn't my favorite movie, but it's up there, and i thought that it was magnificient. :-) I definitely recommend this to anyone who likes action but also a good story and wonderful actors. (not to the squeamish)

Very good, but crappy ending - Gladiator Reviews

the whole thing is good but then suddely Maximus failed and died, I know I can't really think of a better ending because it is history and you can't change history, but the ending and rest of the story did not flow well, I mean, the evil emperor looked dreadfully stupid but then turns smart, what's up with that

For the glory of rome - Gladiator Reviews

I have to think a lot to find anything negative about Gladiator. Formidable visuals, sets and especially costumes, three hours gone in what seems to be only one, and exceptional performances by Russel Crowe and, even more, by Joaquin Phoenix. Gladiator also provides a very good opportunity to look back at how advanced Rome was in matters of politics and philosophy at the peeks of its civilization. Just like the Greeks did before them, the Romans discovered that checks were needed to control the arbitrary power of the ruler, be it an Emperor or an elected body. Two milleniums later and we are not much more advanced than them at finding what the good checks are... What we certainly discovered in our western civilizations, though, is respect for life. These ancient times were obviously barbaric in that respect, as the story of gladiator games shows. But back to the movie, it is outstanding, in all respects. Perhaps a few negative points would be the like-bombs that the Roman army was throwing in the opening sequence - I think that was mostly science-fiction - and the fact that Commodus decided to fight Maximus after only hurting his left arm... that did not make much sense.

The greatest epic story ever filmed! - Gladiator Reviews

Simply stunning from start to finish. I have never had a better time at the movies and have since watched this film several times. Deep, riveting and emotional, this one should be in everyone's library. Be warned, very violent, but the violence is neccessary and not the least bit sensational. Enjoy!

The greatest movie ever ! - Gladiator Reviews

In my mind this film is the greatest movie ever made. Period. Everything was outstanding. The audio soundtrack is hauntenly beautiful. The visuals and story line are first rate. Even if you are not a Russel Crowe fan, please check out this movie. You will end up purchasing the DVD and giving it a place of honor in your video library. In my mind there is this movie and "Braveheart"; everything else is on the floor.

Best director: ridley scott - Gladiator Reviews

No one ever deserved to win the Best Director Oscar more than Ridley Scott did for this movie. Although it won the Best Picture Oscar, he didn't receive the Best Director award. I was most impressed by the opening battle scene in 'Germanicus', it was incredibly realistic. Visually, this movie is one of the best of all time. I do think Russell Crowe is a bit overrated as an actor, the movie might have been even better with someone else in his role, but, that said, he wasn't too bad. Joaquin Phoenix tended to overact, and this caused the Commodus character to lose some of his credibility. Some parts of the screenwriting left something to be desired. Some of the dialogue was hackneyed. The story would have been much better if if fit in with history more accurately. Some parts didn't make sense - how did Maximus get from Germanicus to Spain so easily, seriously wounded and all? It's a long way, on foot. Why did the slave traders find him there, and take him despite his very bad condition? The part where the princely child comes and treats him as a sports hero seemed rather silly. But overall - with the great costumes and the awesome action scenes - this was a very entertaining movie.

The best movie ever!!!! - Gladiator Reviews

Whenever you go see a well awaited movie at the theaters you expect a blowout hit, and yet everytime you are dissappointed. Not with this movie!!!! I watched it and watched it again and I have never seen a movie as good as this It had a wonderful story as well as stunning visuals. Russel Crowe gives an outstanding preformance. If you haven't seen this movie see it now, and if you have go and rent it again.

Gladiator: one of the best movies of all time - Gladiator Reviews

An outstanding and oscar worthy preformance by both Rusell Crowe and all the cast. It would have been a shame if it didn't win an oscar!! Spectacular special effects and quality of filming all together. Even though it was a bit on the gorry side it served it's perpose and surpased all my expectation. Both touching and action packed, I would recomend this to any one who likes movies and wants to see one of the best.

Smooth and silky film - Gladiator Reviews

All the actors from the gladiator looks smooth and Ruselle Crowe looks cool and natural looks. I like the prologue(the battle scene) because it looks beatiful and more action.I like this film a lot more than you all think.Haha just kidding.

I dont know what is wrong with the critics??????? - Gladiator Reviews

This movie is definitely my favorite movie of all time...this movie has everything that a great movie has - action, great visual effects, great acting, great story...i mean what is this movie lagging is what my question to the critics is? I have seen this movie 3 times and have not seen anything ridiculous..This movie should make AFI top 100 movies. If movies like pulp fiction(which totally surprised me) can then this movie should make it without a doubt.

One of the best moves i ever seen! - Gladiator Reviews

th is movie was amazing. this movie was outstandingly awsomely coooooooooool This movie was about as good as Troy, but Troy was a little bit better. if you havent seen movie you rent and then, if you like it buy it.

We who are about to die,salute you! - Gladiator Reviews

This movie is a journey with russell crowes' character "maximus".his betrayal, fall to slavery, and rise to legend.this is a beautifully acted film,with a great story and gorgeous special effects.in my opinion this is one of russell crowes best films.

Oscarworthy! - Gladiator Reviews

This was another one those movies for me when I thought it would be a draggy movie. It wasn't it was a deep and fulfilling movie. It made me cry and smile at times. It had action and a great message as well.

An epic movie!!!!!!!!! - Gladiator Reviews

An outstanding Movie!!!!!!^-^ This is my favorite movie of all-time!!!! I love anything that have something to do with The Roman Empire!!!

Flawless victory for the gladiator - Gladiator Reviews

This movie was awesome. From the beginning to the end it was filled with action, suspense and great acting by both the good guy and the bad guy. This movie is great for a history lesson.

Maximus in the tiger's den - Gladiator Reviews

A interesting look at what the gladiator days were like during the christian era of history. The movie tells of the end of one king's rule and the start of a new reign.This dying king names his general to succeed him,angering the son of the king who wass next in line. Banishing the general to a far-off territory and slaying his heirs,the sorry royal son assumes the crown and captures the throne. Years later the general,known now as the Spanish gladiator returns to avenge his name and place in his country.The final scene is heart-wrenching. Excellent cinematography and story-line.

Great - Gladiator Reviews

one of the few great movies ever made. gladiator doesn't quit, it keeps grinding you until its dramatic conclusion. with superb performances across teh board gladiator should go down as one of the finest epics of our time.

Great - Gladiator Reviews

an excellent film that wil go down in the #10 movies of all time. it was great, fantastic, and stunning.terrific! and spectacular!

Great movie - Gladiator Reviews

Gladiator is one of the most powerful, emotional, and thrilling movie I've seen to date. It is of a man who lost everything, and lived to get his revenge on the man who was responsible. Not to mention it has some of the most top notch graphics and action I've ever seen in a movie

Amazing - Gladiator Reviews

Gladiator is a great movie. Emotional, moving, never boring. Great action scenes, great emotional scenes, great character developement, a truly magnificent masterpeice. Amazing special effects. One of the greatest movies I've seen. The plot is about a General named Maximus, who loses his family, rank, and fame when Emepror Marcus Aurelius is killed by his greedy, and power hungry sun. Maximus becomes a gladiator, and must fight to regain the love of rome. A great movie, a must see classic.

Not as good as i thought it would be - Gladiator Reviews

The best parts of this movie were the Gladiator fights in the pits the rest of the story was flawed and not that great. Although Russell Crowe was perfect and definatly deserved the Oscar.

Battle on, maximus - Gladiator Reviews

Directed by Ridley Scott (Alien), Gladiator is a powerful action-packed epic movie that ranks as one of the best movies of 2000. Russell Crowe delivers a powerful performance as a larger-than-life hero. The story is breathtaking and the action sequence are excellent. The opening battle sequence is visually amazing and very intense.

My favorite movie! - Gladiator Reviews

You have to watch for the parallels and themes of the movie to truly appreciate it. Example: Watch how the gladiators treat Maximus the same as his soldiers use to treat him. Very well done!

Spectacular movie that all should see - Gladiator Reviews

When this movie was in theaters, I unfortunaly did not see it. When it came out on DVD, I bought it. It quickly became my favorite movie. The effects, acting, directing, and storyline are all some of the best I've seen in a movie. Overall Grade A+

All around oscar greatness - Gladiator Reviews

The best movie of all time in my humble opinion. Everything about this movie is flawless. The story- was incredible. A modern day self made man. The direction- Scott did a great job of putting this piece together. The acting- crowe made this film what it was- ultimate greatness. A must see for everyone. In greatness with Citizen Kane and The Cukoos Nest.

It will be remembered - Gladiator Reviews

I have saw lots and lots of movies from The shawshank Redemption to the the raiders of the ark to titanic spiderman and the Lord of the Rings And I make my top 10 movie list and trust me this is in the top 3. Who would of ever taught a movie with with men fighting in lets, say a ring would actually be better then good? I DO! The story, acting, Visual effects, Direction, cinematic style was just stunning. And though it did not make as much money i thought it deserved I t will be remembered.

The best movie ever - Gladiator Reviews

This movie is too good to be troe !!!!! The story is great !!! Crowe and the others act as if they were really there !!!! There are almost no flaws in the movie, there aren't any flaws if u don't look at every detail !!! It's the perfect movie !!!! Even the Colosseum is made so beautifully !!! I can't remember ever seeing a movie that pleased me so much !!! If U didn't see it go and rent or buy this movie cause it's really a movie to see, as much for girls as for boys !!!! And as much for people who like history as people who don't and also for people that like movies and also people that don't !!! I saw Gladiator more than 5 times !!! And some parts of the movie over and over !!!! So THIS IS A MUST !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Spartacus lite - Gladiator Reviews

Russell Crowe may very well be the best actor of this era. Therefore this film is certainly not unwatchable. However, it is a very predictable story that has some great visuals and some good acting. Joaquin Phoenix as Emperor Commodus (great name, King Toilet). I thought he was overacting with the exagerated whisper that young actors seem to use when they aren't sure what to do. (See Tom Cruise in Interview With the Vampire). Crowe's performance is solid, but his character is a standard can never be wrong hero. He is unflawed, which means the script is. Richard Harris was great was as the aging Emperor who realizes too late that he has failed as a father. My feeling is that his film was made because Ridley Scott had the technical means to recreate Rome on the big screen and the story came as an afterthought.

The best movie ever. - Gladiator Reviews

THE BEST MOVIE I HAVE NEVER SEEN BEFORE, THIS MOVIE HAVE EVERYTHING THAT YOU CAN THINK OF; ROMANCE, GREAT ACTION, GREAT ACTING...AND EVERYTHING THAT YOU CAN THINK OF. THIS IS BASICALLY THE ONLY MOVIE THAT I FOR SURE WOULD RECOMMEND TO ANYONE, THE ONLY THING IS THAT YOU HAVE TO FOLLOW CAREFULLY THE MOVIE OR OTHERWISE YOU MIGHT GET CONFUSE WITH SOME OF THE SCENES.(A++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++)

An archetypal message for the ages - Gladiator Reviews

Where other movies struggle to "enlighten" us according to some half truth, Gladiator effortlessly resonates directly to the deepest and best within us by getting the message straight. This movie gives us the unvarnished truth about life and then challenges us to live by a code the ancients new well: to be true to one's best self, for nothing else will ever be of any lasting consequence. In the final analysis, lasting self-esteem and true inner peace can only come from living up to our highest ideals without flinching or compromising. This entails loss and severe hardship. Maximus is an example of how to struggle with this tough challenge we humans are saddled with. His arrow-straight nature, uncompromising sense of duty and his ability to endure pain and suffering for the truth make him a worthy role model. A person of true character. Where are such men today? Who and what have our "gods" become? We should all be so lucky to stand in such a man's presence so we may become dyed in his colors.

Definitely my favorite!! - Gladiator Reviews

Awesome characters. Awesome plot. Awesome action. This movie has it all. The special f/x are phenomenal, and this film lacks NOTHING!! The hero is a Roman General named Maximus. The villain is the evil Commodus, who wrongly inherits the title of Caesar after secretly murdering his father. Maximus is imprisoned and sold into slavery, and learns of the horrible deaths of his wife and son by the dreaded Commodus. The ex-General is bought by merciful Proxemo, who trains Maximus to be the best gladiator possible. He instantly gains fame from the city of Rome as his military background gives him an advantage against the thugs that he battles in the glorious Coliseum. Soon Maximus' vendetta against Commodus will be fulfilled as he is challenged by the evil Caesar who murderes his family. This gripping plot and incredible cast makes this film a must-see.

The best of 2000!!! - Gladiator Reviews

Gladiator is without a doubt the best movie of 2000 and one of the best movies of all time!! Russell Crowe's performance in Gladiator is breath-taking and oscar worthy!!!

!! gladiator rocks !! - Gladiator Reviews

Without any doubt, Gladiator was the best action film of all-time. It's amazing! This movie won 5 awards out 12 nominations including BEST PICTURE from Academy Award. The story of this movie was extraordinary excellent. Maximus (Russell Crowe) had the ferocity of a warrior but with dignity and character. He combined the great feeling of heroism and bravery with goodness. Commodus, the Emperor Marcus Aurelius's son (Joaquin Phoenix) was a person with an insatiate thirst of human blood and capable of the most inhuman actions. His dislike about himself was reflected in his difficult personality. He was envious of Maximus because people loved him and above all because the Emperor loved Maximus mere than him. Although his wickedness, he suffered for this condition and, it causes into the public a sense of pity. The Emperor was an honest man and he fought for his people. He was never proud of his son and he paid for it with his live. This movie is the most realistic historical movie on Romans produced so far. The computer work on ancient Rome is beautiful and pretty much correct. The first 10 minutes (battle in Germania) are so real that you feel like you just did a time travel. The violence is cruel and disturbing, but that only adds to the realism of the movie. Of course, there are some amazing fight scenes as well, in the Coliseum and other gladiator venues as well as Germania, where we are introduced to Maximus putting down a barbarian rebellion. The combat scenes are where the CGI work and other special effects especially shine, with a fight between Maximus and his cohorts against a squad of charioteers making for one heady adrenaline rush. Ridley Scott is an absolutely talented director. He and a talented team of writers figured out a new way to breathe life in the old formula, with the help of CGI and a talented leading man. One of the best movies of Ridley Scotts since Alien and Blade Runner. Russell Crowe is more than adequate in the role of Maximus, he did a very decent job on his role and he does deserve the BEST ACTOR from those movies awards. Joaquin Phoenix also did a very outstanding job in his role. The acting of this movie was flawless and stunning. Three word for this movie: SPECTACULAR!!! PHENOMENAL!!! FABULOUS!!!

Maximus star power - Gladiator Reviews

When a dying Caesar (Richard Harris) dashes the imperial ambitions of his temperamental son (Joaquin Phoenix) by naming a popular general (Russell Crowe) as protector of the Republic, by-passing the would-be successor, the offended heir kills his own father and orders the general executed, in order to usurp the throne. Unbeknownst to all, the veteran warrior (Crowe) kills his executioners and escapes, only to be captured by slave traders who sell him to a ring of gladiators -- men whose lot in life is to fight to the death for the depraved entertainment of the masses. Early in the film, a seemingly unattainable carrot is dangled before the slaved gladiators: if they're really good and they catch the emperor in a good mood, he might reward them with their freedom. For Maximus (Crowe), the real incentive is a trip to Rome, and to the Colosseum, to confront the emperor who ordered his death. This provides the rough sketch of the movie, and also the most vibrant part of the pic. We know that the battle scenes and the spectacle of the digitally-created Colosseum are the raison d'?e of this film. But, the effect is diluted in the elaboration of the story, especially in the palace intrigue surrounding the emperor's conscientious sister (Connie Nielsen) and her son (Spencer Treat Clark), who threatens the emperor as a possible would-be contender to the throne. The self-professed action film also loses momentum through the artsy lens of aloof cinematography which could have borrowed a page from the playbook of Cecil B. DeMille. It's easy to show us a panorama of ancient Rome which looks like an Obsession commercial. But, for my money, it'd better look like CNN. But, action aficionados who can put these shortcomings aside are in for a treat in the gladiator battle scenes, especially the sequences that occur in an outlying Roman colony before the gladiators go to Rome. Here, Maximus first befriends Juba (Djimon Hounsou), an African slave who secretly shares Maximus' righteous indignation at their condition of slavery, but counsels a pragmatic approach, encouraging Maximus to fight in order to live on. Maximus and Juba also share a broad spirituality which helps them cope with their condition and with the loss of their loved ones, despite the fact that they come from widely differing cultures. To my surprise, GLADIATOR never mentions the plight of Christians in the Colosseum, which would have been a point of interest to modern audiences, and would have factored in the film's historical clock of 180 A.D. However, the film does make a running alusion to Roman Catholicism by way of the fervent devotion of Maximus to the Roman religion, and its pantheistic iconography. GLADIATOR is buoyed by a capable cast, led by the commanding Crowe, and also by Oliver Reed as the gladiator ring leader and Derek Jacobi as a reform-minded Senator. With a SPARTACUS-like fate, director Scott clearly intended Maximus to be more than your run of the mill sword-&-sandal Hollywood stud. But, the ALIEN (1979) director paints with a bleak and often dreamy brush that sometimes betrays the action on the arena floor. (Carlos Colorado)