Paul W.S. Anderson directs this period disaster film centered on the story of a Pompeii gladiator who races to save his true love as Mount Vesuvius prepares to erupt in A.D. 79. After rising out of slavery to become a gladiator, Milo (Kit Harrington) falls for radiant merchant's daughter Cassia (Emily Browning), who is being coerced into marrying a nefarious Roman Senator. Meanwhile, as the lava starts to flow, Milo must escape the arena and rescue Cassia before they are both turned to ash. CarrieAnne Moss, Adewa Akinnuoye-Agbaje, Jared Harris, and Kiefer Sutherland co-star. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi
Director: Paul W.S. Anderson
Cast: Kit Harington, Carrie-Anne Moss, Emily Browning, Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje, Jessica Lucas, Jared Harris
Release Date: Feb 21, 2014
Rated: PG-13 for intense battle sequences, disaster-related action and brief sexual content
Runtime: 1 hr. 38 min.
Genres: Action/Adventure
Review:
It should probably tell you something about a film if the biggest compliment I can give it is that it’s not as horrible as I expected it to be. Paul W.S. Anderson’s film is filled with things unashamedly lifted from other better films throughout. Logic has no place here so just know that going in. Volcanic eruption, who cares we have plenty of time for a sword fight. Characters just met a few days ago but they are suddenly the most important thing in the world and worth losing your life for, sure why not. It’s dreck but it’s also kind of watchable once you get past the snooze inducing first act. The other two acts can be described simply as Gladiator knockoff and Vesuvius Finally Blows up. Those 2 acts are fairly watchable even though there are some unintentionally funny sequences that pop up from time to time. The acting is passable at best. Kit “You know nothing Jon Snow” Harington sleep walks through the roll which isn’t surprising to be honest since his love interest is Emily Browning and her unnaturally pouty lips. A horribly miscast Kiefer Sutherland keeps a smirk on throughout the entire film probably because he knows he’s just stealing money. Jared Harris and Carrie-Anne Moss make an appearance and collect checks since they aren’t asked to do anything but be cannon fodder. Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje appears to be the only one having any fun in this campy silliness. The funny thing is that it’s probably one of Paul W.S. Anderson’s better films since Event Horizon.
C
