Troy

REVIEW
Loosely adapting Homer's "The Iliad" (but eliminating the gods) for the big screen, director Petersen has crafted an epic that attempts to evoke memories of recent swordplay films such as Gladiator and even The Lord of the Rings. Troy, which isn't as successful as either film, does work on quite a few levels, and is entertaining throughout, but the occasional inferior dialogue and two romances lacking sparks very nearly sabotage this costly, handsome costumer. Set during the Trojan War circa 1200 BC, the story focuses on the Greek's greatest soldier Achilles (Pitt), who, of course, has been blessed by the gods. When Troy's two princes Hector (Bana) and Paris (Bloom) try to make peace with the Greeks after ten years of war, a possible truce is ruined when Paris falls in love with Helen (Kruger), Queen of Sparta, and she returns with Paris to Troy. The Greeks, led by Achilles, invade Troy, where numerous, impressive battle sequences take place. The cast is hit-or-miss: Bana and O'Toole (as King of Troy) are outstanding, each bringing an emotional depth the screenplay doesn't always supply; Bloom and Kruger are lackluster in poorly written roles; while Pitt, looking impossibly buff, seems to be in his own film giving a brooding, contemporary portrait of Achilles. The majority of the effects are excellent, and it is difficult to tell in most scenes whether effects are actually being used or not (there are 1,500 extras to help give the film that 1950s look, which works in the film's favor). In spite of a few serious flaws, Troy still manages through some great acting, heady action scenes and compelling characters to offer a kind of excitement and spectacle to be savored.