If I wanted to watch a boring movie with uninteresting characters, I would have decided to watch paint dry instead. “Pompeii” (2014) was one of the worst movies I have watched this year. Directed by Paul W. S. Anderson, “Pompeii” is advertised as a disaster film; but, in actuality, it is a dull romantic-gladiator movie.
I approached this film expecting to be lulled into a relaxing movie while watching thousands of Romans die in the disaster of Mt. Vesuvius. I was disappointed to find that the film only briefly alludes to the volcanic eruption. Instead, the film follows the titular character Milo, played by Kit Harington, as he lives his life as a slave and gladiator. I wish I had been forewarned to skip this film, as it follows the boring character of Milo as he continues his journey, instead of the disaster that occurred in the Roman city of Pompeii.
The only positive thing about the film is the CGI. The views of the cities of Londinium and Pompeii are breathtaking. This is the only interesting part of this film…the story, characters, and dialogue are boring. Not much else can be said; the CGI is good for the most part. Obviously, the film takes place in Pompeii, and is heavily dependent on computer animation to recreate the city. The movie follows Milo, a Celt, who watches his family and people brutally killed by Romans in his home of Britannia. “Pompeii” then follows Milo as an adult slave, as he is transferred to Londonium and then the titular city of Pompeii.
I had trouble keeping my eyes open throughout the duration of this film. I hoped this film would be about the disaster of Pompeii…but this is sadly not what we see. My guess is that Kit Harington needed money for a new yacht; because, I am not sure why he accepted this role. The film reminded me more of “300;” which in some cases, would not be a bad thing. If I wanted to watch a violent film with senseless fighting and death, I would have watched a “300” type movie. “Pompeii” follows Milo as he but kills gladiator after gladiator.
The dialogue in this film is monotonous and uninspired. While watching, it was difficult to redirect my attention away from the character Corvus, played by Kiefer Sutherland. Sutherland, who is known for his role as Jack Bauer in the hit TV show “24,” portrays the man who kills Harington’s family and people. Sutherland’s accent is not authentic, and his role as the villain is stale. During the entire movie, “Pompeii” tries to emphasize the struggle between Milo and Corvus. It was a relief when the two finally faced each other.
Kit Harrington and Emily Browning in a scene from “Pompeii.” Photo: TriStar Pictures, 2014.
The character development in this film is poor and there were no noteworthy performances by the rest of the cast. In the beginning of the film, Milo kills a fallen horse to end its suffering. It just so happens that the love interest to Milo, Cassia, is nearby and watches the whole event unfold. This is the start of their boring relationship. Any viewer could have forecasted this occurrence, and what then happens with the relationship between Milo and Cassia is both tiresome and boring. Cassia, played by Emily Browning, does a decent job, but her performance is not noteworthy. The development of Sutherland’s character as the titular “bad guy” is stale. It is fortunate that the film is only 105 minutes long.
The soundtrack features an original score. There is nothing noteworthy to say about the music in the film; there were just no special songs. The editing of this film is well-done, especially during each fight scenes. The cuts were snappy and well put together.
I do not recommend this film. Before viewing it, I was excited to watch a disaster film. It was certainly a surprise to find that the film was more about Milo’s journey as a slave and gladiator, as we discover he is a talented fighter. If you want to watch a disaster film, this is not the one to choose. Instead of watching “Pompeii,” take a walk outside or do some laundry. Anything would be better than this waste of time movie.
*”Pompeii” is currently available to watch on most streaming platforms.
