After watching the terrible The Legend of Hercules, the disaster movie Pompeii was broadcast the next day. Maybe Hercules had broken me, but I decided to give this one a chance as well, because if you have survived one sand and sandals movie why not watch another one. Even if I had strong doubts about it in advance. Would this be my second bad movie night in a row?
As a young boy Milo (Kit Harington) witnesses his parents being slaughtered by the Romans, lead by Corvus (Kiefer Sutherland). Milo is captured by slave traders and has become an excellent gladiator. He is brought to Pompeii and on the way he get’s into contact with Cassia (Emily Browning), the daughter of the governor of Pompeii. He helps her and their paths separate. Milo will have to prove himself against Atticus (Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje). Through circumstances it is decided that the two have to fight together facing multiple opponents who wills surely kill them. When the local volcano starts to erupt though, the city turns into a mess and everyone is fighting for survival. But Milo also wants to save Cassia.
I was prepared for the worst and have to admit that I thought this movie was a joy to watch. Yes, it is your run of the mill disaster movie mixed with a gladiator movie (including a love interest), but it’s been well made and convincingly presented. Once the volcano erupts the movie is filled with action and spectacle. Kiefer Sutherland overacts in his role as bad guy (which is fun to see) and Kit Harington is able to carry the movie. Is it a must see? No, definitely not. But I’ve seen much worse.
