No movie can ever reach the roman era excellence of "Gladiator". Recent attempts have failed miserably. (Ya, I'm talking about you "Centurion" - just awful) Audiences are genuinely interested in the time period, which is evident not only in the timeless classics like "Cleopatra" and "Ben-Hur", but also through the success of more modern films such as "Troy", "Alexander", "Clash of the Titans", "300", not to mention hit t.v. series like "Rome" and "Spartacus". Sometimes, however, in the rush to give the viewers what they want, movie makers have a tendency to cut corners.
Casting Channing Tatum in the lead role seemed to be the first mistake made in "The Eagle". Surprisingly, the actor previously known for shirtless scenes and dancing moves, did a good job. Marcus Aquila, (Tatum) takes up his new post as commander of a regiment stationed at literally, the end of the world. Twenty years previously, the mysterious disappearance of an entire legion under the command of his father, prompted the building of a wall, sealing out the enemies and marking the edge of Rome in Britain. Marcus quickly earns the respect of his men, but his family's honor is what he desires most.
Taking with him only a slave / interpreter (Jamie Bell) who's life he saved in the arena, Marcus leaves his uncle's villa (played by Donald Sutherland) and crosses the border into unexplored territory, seeking the lost golden eagle standard. This movie certainly wasn't on the same level as the greats, but it was entertaining just the same. Though I was a little disappointed he never took his shirt off, Tatum really brought his character to life, and I hope to see him in similar roles soon. The fight scenes weren't outstanding, but they weren't cheesy either. All in all, director Kevin Macdonald now has a film he can be known for.
