A famed general, condemned to death in a coup, seeks revenge on Roman emperor Commodus for the murder of his family. Vivid and muscular historical drama, with excellent performances, solid action, and a keen visual sense. A Hollywood history; the inspirations are less actual events than the epics of the 1950s and early 1960s.
Tag: rome
Spectre (2015, dir. Sam Mendes)
A political attempt to neuter M16 is found to be the work of an enemy organisation. The first two acts work well, but the last hour falls apart through trying to stitch the Craig-era Bond films into a single narrative with an awkwardly-revealed Blofeld at its centre.
John Wick: Chapter 2 (2017, dir. Chad Stahelski)
The eponymous retired hitman is compelled to honour a debt. Less fresh than the 2014 original, but Chapter 2 gains confidence as it proceeds, expanding the series’ world and throwing in a few inventive action set-pieces. Laurence Fishburne cameos hammily.
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