Alexander (DVD, 2005, Theatrical Edition Director's Cut)

This historical want to be epic centers around Alexander the Great and is directed by Oliver Stone. Alexander, played by Colin Farrell, is portrayed as a confused and angry man troubled by his own insecurities. Stone focuses the movie on Alexander's personality instead of the historical significance of how he expanded his empire. Alexander, who dies at the age of 32, is plagued by his troublesome relationship with his mother, played by Angelina Jolie, and his father, played by Val Kilmer. In the end Stone portrays Alexander as a man consumed by his own inner demons and whose greatest threat came from his own ego.

Much of the historical details of the movie come from a voice over done by Anthony Hopkins. Hopkins is excellent and it's a shame he didn't play a bigger part as his acting skills were sorely needed. In contrast Angelina Jolie's acting skills are completely wasted in such a limited role while Val Kilmer appears to be uncomfortable and miscast as Alexander's father. Farrell, who has turned in better performances, gives a solid if not exceptional performance in the lead role. The battle scenes are also average at best and pale in comparison to the large battle scenes in the Lord of the Rings Movies.

As the viewer I never really cared about any of the characters and was never drawn into the story. I probably wasn't alone judging by the film's bad reviews and its quick exit from the theatres. With average acting, boring plot, and anti-climatic ending, this is a film that you should only watch if nothing else is on.