How's this for exciting . . . This Friday will be

Before discussing Gladiator, allow me to pose this question . . . Are people talking more during movies, or am I just getting older and grouchier? I can't remember the last time I went to the movies without having to listen to some loser talk through the whole thing (unless I tell them to kindly be quiet, which only works around half the time). There were bad storms here Friday night, so there were only eight people in the theater, four of which were unable to shut up. Fifty percent! It was Gladiator, fer cryin' out loud! Were they really lost in the plot? Anyway, onto the movie.

I liked it, but not as much as Braveheart, to which it can (and is) be conveniently compared. So far, Russell Crowe can't miss in my book. I've loved him in everything I've seen him in (this, LA Confidential, and Virtuosity (surprisingly)). Actually, I have no complaints with any of the acting, and I particularly enjoyed Oliver Reed (the best Athos ever, I might add). The Battle of Carthage was fantastic, and I got a little shiver up my spine when Maximus was unmasked and swore revenge. But I must say, I liked the movie in spite of numerous and significant flaws, all in the plot . . .

I didn't believe Commodus would have let Maximus live after his first colesseum win. Sure, the people were cheering Maximus, but he won ONE FIGHT. In the real world, Commodus lets him out of the ring, kills him in his cell, and the masses change the channel. End of story. I blame the script. It would have been more plausible if Maximus's reputation was further built-up before his unmasking. More wins. More hero-worship. Soldiers loyal to him infiltrating the crowd. Rumors of who he is circulating. All that, and THEN the big unveiling. He was revealed way too early to be believable.

Meanwhile, Commodus's sister Lucilla, who is acknowledged by all to be tough, smart, resourceful, etc. FAILS to poison the bastard? Everyone hates him, she's in danger, and he trustingly drinks headache tonics that she prepares by hand? But somehow, instead of just poisoning him she participates in this elaboarate plot, and then folds when questioned!? If you're going to tell us that our heroine is tough, then make her tough. At the very least, don't show us how easy it would be for her to kill him.

Having ice cream afterwards, my wife (who also liked it) and I came up with several other flaws of similar calibur. But these are the two that have stuck with me. I liked it, but if they'd taken the time to fix the holes, I would have loved it.

Well, Jim, you inspired us - went to see Gladiator yesterday and found it quite well done, although very bloody (no surprise). Good acting, great scenery (Malta), enough pageantry to almost out-do Ben Hur. Worth a $5 bargain matinee! This can't be seen on the teeny screen, you must be in the theatre to appreciate the sweep and scope of Ridley Scott.

Although "Small Time Crooks" was funny, it wasn't funny enough to beat out "Gladiator" if you can only see one movie . . .but if you're going to rent, an interesting movie is the French "Horseman on the Roof." Romantic adventure. Enjoy!

Well, the last movie we saw was Fantasia 2000 (recommended) and Toy Story 2 (also highlyl recommended), so don't feel too bad. Anyway, if I was going to see a movie now, it would probably be either Shanghai Noon or Small Time Crooks. I'm also looking forward to Chicken Run but that's not out yet. I'd suggest Mission Impossible 2, but I haven't seen M:I 1 yet (and Tom Cruise can't act to save his life.)

Just remember, if you watch Gladiator, I told you so... ;) Erin Brokovich (currently making the dollar theater rounds) or U-571 would be a better choice, in my book. I haven't had the chance to see High Fidelity, but it is supposed to be good.

Shalom, y'all!

L. Bangs