I saw Troy in theaters and watched it a couple of more times on DVD. I gave it 3.5 stars (out of 4) and put it on my yearly top ten list. The film even inspired me to read... the Cliff Notes of The Illiad. 😆 What can I say? Epic poetry is difficult for me and I took the easy route. Who knows, maybe some day I will actually try to read the real thing (along with The Odyssey, The Divine Comedy, and Paradise Lost).
I found it dispiriting when the critics didn't respond well, especially my favorite critic at the time, Roger Ebert. He gave it a blistering 2-star review and then, at the end of the year, said it was the worst movie of 2004 along with Alexander (which I also saw in theaters... sigh...) I don't know how I would respond if I re-watched it today, but this recent reappraisal and appreciation for Troy makes me feel vindicated. Even though it wasn't glowing, thank you for a fair and well-balanced article.
Thanks, Christopher! Even with my frustrations, I do still plan on checking out the Director’s Cut when it comes out on 4K next month. Gotta get my swords and sandals fix whenever I can.
I have seen Troy more than 5 times at least. They do not make movies like they did in that era or before. Call me old, call me whatever you like. No movies today hold a candle to the movies that were made 20+ years ago. The actors were great especially Hector (Eric Bana) Than of course Brad Pitt himself.
Everything you wrote is true. Having said that, I’d much rather watch Sean Bean in “The Odyssey” made in the same style as “Troy” (with the supernatural elements put back in, of course) than whatever Nolan’s got in store.
A well-considered article, thanks!
Thanks so much, Adam!
Thanks for a wonderfully written piece that seems more edifying than the film being reviewed. Skipped the picture the first time, will do so again.
Thanks so much, Teresa!
You’re welcome!
I saw Troy in theaters and watched it a couple of more times on DVD. I gave it 3.5 stars (out of 4) and put it on my yearly top ten list. The film even inspired me to read... the Cliff Notes of The Illiad. 😆 What can I say? Epic poetry is difficult for me and I took the easy route. Who knows, maybe some day I will actually try to read the real thing (along with The Odyssey, The Divine Comedy, and Paradise Lost).
I found it dispiriting when the critics didn't respond well, especially my favorite critic at the time, Roger Ebert. He gave it a blistering 2-star review and then, at the end of the year, said it was the worst movie of 2004 along with Alexander (which I also saw in theaters... sigh...) I don't know how I would respond if I re-watched it today, but this recent reappraisal and appreciation for Troy makes me feel vindicated. Even though it wasn't glowing, thank you for a fair and well-balanced article.
Thanks, Christopher! Even with my frustrations, I do still plan on checking out the Director’s Cut when it comes out on 4K next month. Gotta get my swords and sandals fix whenever I can.
I have seen Troy more than 5 times at least. They do not make movies like they did in that era or before. Call me old, call me whatever you like. No movies today hold a candle to the movies that were made 20+ years ago. The actors were great especially Hector (Eric Bana) Than of course Brad Pitt himself.
Everything you wrote is true. Having said that, I’d much rather watch Sean Bean in “The Odyssey” made in the same style as “Troy” (with the supernatural elements put back in, of course) than whatever Nolan’s got in store.
Thanks, Greg! Sean Bean is definitely a highlight, but I’m also pretty pumped for what Nolan has in store. Fingers crossed.