I’ve a weakness for men in sword and sandal garb. Maybe it’s the raw masculinity or the whole ‘honor at stake’ that seems to be the common theme for said sword and sandal pics, but I’m a sucker.
So, I was curious about Channing Tatum and Jamie Bell’s flick. I wasn’t willing to pay full price for it, though, so I saw it for the first time on my TV. And I regret not paying for a ticket. It was a pretty solid movie. Tatum wasn’t Crowe, but he sold me. His determination to redeem his family name and protect his men was authentic, yet restrained. And Jamie Bell was the heroic ally/enemy, alternating hostility and reluctant sympathy. I really appreciated that this was a ‘buddy flick’ too – without the token woman thrown in. This film was about loyalty and honor – and I was surprisingly entertained. The regret about seeing it at home versus the theater? Not seeing the gorgeous cinematography as it was meant to be. It was a pastoral wonder, a real enticement to visit Scotland and Hungary, where the film was shot.
All in all, I would recommend this film. Especially to my fellow sword and sandal enthusiasts! 3 1/2 Stars!