Wondering what to do with the rest of our Sunday afternoon, hubby and I decided to head to the cinemas and share our popcorn with Pompeii.
I wouldn’t dare presume anything about the movie’s historical accuracy. I’ve only ever come across this doomed city from some books I’ve read way back. So, if you would like to know if the movie sticks with history, you have to find another source.
The movie painted a pretty picture of Pompeii, prior to Mt. Vesuvius eruption in A.D. 79. South of Naples, on the western coast of Italy, some 150 miles south of Rome, this almost ethereal-looking volcano spewed fire and lava on that fateful summer morning, obliterating the entire city of Pompeii. A famed vacation resort of the Roman Empire along with some 16,000 people was then lost and was to remain buried for almost two thousand years. On its rediscovery, archaeologists were able to piece together remnants of this lost city and preserved it for posterity. The movie’s depiction of Pompeii was quite a sight to watch.
So, with the pictures almost postcard-perfect, the actors magnificent in their costumes, the sword fights engaging, what exactly went wrong?
For one thing, the story line is hackneyed, but I can swallow that. I was truly anticipating how an orphaned slave-turned-gladiator, Milo (Kit Harington), would conquer the Romans who slaughtered his whole village when he was still little.
The lead actor didn’t deliver though. Oh, I have nothing to say with his fight scenes. They were nothing short of spectacular. I could almost hear the swish and swoosh of his sword. With his physique, he wouldn’t even be far in league with those men in 300. It was in the emotional department though where he could use some tutoring. He was mostly apathetic. I wouldn’t have minded if he was cold, or arrogant, or even a savage, but he was neither of those. He simply remained impassive. What a job it would be to hate or love his character. There simply wasn’t enough passion portrayed for me to care what happens to Milo, and his love life for that matter. He was supposed to be attracted or in love — I honestly couldn’t quite figure which — with Cassia (Emily Browning). But, this star-crossed lovers looked anything but in love.
If they were trying to be the next Rose and Jack, then it was an epic fail. And please don’t mention them in the same breath as Ilsa and Rick, just don’t. I think he would be better off as Night Watcher, where he vowed not to have any kind of romantic attachments whatsoever. Game of Thrones would welcome him with open arms, I’ll bet on it.
Another thing is the final picture, which I wouldn’t spoil for you. I guess it was unforgivable, but I actually laughed. If it was intended to surprise the viewer, it certainly achieved its purpose. But poignant? You be the judge.
With those bases covered, I can now freely say I have enjoyed the movie, rather what was left of it, which thankfully were still a lot.
I was itching to see Pompeii come alive on screen, and when I did, it was satisfying. Set in a picturesque little town with Mt. Vesuvius towering on the background and its busy harbor littered with ancient roman ships, Pompeii really looked like a dream destination. The narrow stone alleys, the gigantic outdoor amphitheater, and the women garbed in gala attire adorned with enormous jewelry were just some of the things I noticed, which I have read from a book.
Interestingly, it was Atticus (Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje), a fellow gladiator who eventually befriended Milo, whom I can easily connect with. He was able to portray pain, and the joy of being released from the chains, convincingly. I say it was a compelling performance.
When Mt. Vesuvius erupted, it was raining ashes, stones, and lava on the big screen. Dante’s Peak did cross my mind. I know it’s a cheap thrill, but it’s nonetheless exciting.
As I am a great fan of action sequences, this movie did not disappoint. From sword fights, to horse chases, to saving the “princess”, you’ll get plenty of share with these.
I have to admit though that this movie isn’t really anything out of the ordinary. I haven’t learned something new from the movie about this historic city. But if you are really fond of rediscovering the lost city of Pompeii, don’t miss this. Your 105 minutes might just be worth the waste. Oh, and I’m also into disaster flicks, and is among the reasons why I enjoyed this one.