MOVIE REVIEW: Pompeii

GENRE: Action, Thriller, 3D

RUNNING TIME: 105 minutes

STARRING: Kit Harrington, Emily Browning, Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje, Carrie-Anne Moss, Jared Harris, Jessica Lucas, Kiefer Sutherland, Paz Vega.

DIRECTED BY: Paul Anderson

RATING: 7/10

Currently screening at Ster-Kinekor Northgate.

PLOT: The movie begins when the Romans, led by leader Corvus, viciously wipe out a village of horsemen. Milo Kit Harington), a young boy who is the only survivor, is later captured by slave traders, and 17 years later is one of the best gladiators. Milo meets a girl, Cassia (Emily Browning), the daughter of a wealthy merchant, and runs out of time to save them both from a volcanic eruption when the city of Pompeii collapses around them.

THE GOOD: The love story between Milo and Cassia makes the movie worth watching. All the fighting scenes with the gladiators builds up to a thrilling climax in the movie. The movie also stars amazing actors, some who are fairly new to the big screen. The movie also has an unexpected twist.

THE BAD: The 3D effects were not impressive. There were also scenes that were long-winded and unnecessary. The romance between Milo and Cassia was short-lived. There was no clear understanding of the role the Romans had with the city of Pompeii, therefore creating confusion when Corvus pays a visit to Pompeii.

VERDICT: There were not that many romantic scenes in the movie; more romance could’ve livened things up. Do expect plenty of action scenes filled with blood-gushing battles, though. The movie seems to have too many unrealistic moments, such as when Milo and Corvus barely get touched by the volcano’s inferno. There is no warning of what will happen to the city of Pompeii, and no escape from the troubles that lie ahead.

*Special thanks to Ster-Kinekor Northgate for making the review possible.