rdoyle29 Richard Burton stars as Alexander in this epic Cinemascope biopic. The first half focuses on Alexander's relationship with his father Philip of Macedonia (an almost unrecognizable Fredric March) who conquered Greece, and the second on Alexander's conquering of the rest of the known world after his father's assassination. Burton is good, and it's a handsomely mounted production, but it ultimately feels like over 2 hours that leads not much of anywhere. The intriguing supporting cast includes Harry Andrews as the Persian King Darius, Stanley Baker, Peter Cushing and Peter Wyngarde.

ThatMOVIENut From legendary writer/director Robert Rossen (Diary of Anne Frank, The Huster, All The King's Men) comes the larger than life story of the one and only Alexander The Great of Macedon. The film documents the Greek conqueror's life from spirited youth in his homeland to ruler of Asia. Unlike the 2004 Stone film, this one is more squarely focused in Greece, most of the film dealing with domestic disputes between the Greeks and Macedonians, as well as Alexander's troubled relationship with his father, Philip.Incredibly melodramatic and surprisingly tacky, Rossen's tale of the Macedonian conqueror is a lot of things, and most of them not good. The production values are unbelievably poor, which is odd given this made during the heyday of the historical epic. Be it fake costumes, flexible armour, or pitifully trying to pass off 1950s Spain as Ancient Macedon, the houses being an instant giveaway, it's just startling, Not to mention, Mario Nascimbene's score is just a monotonous and lazy drone of percussion, almost sounding like parodies of Hans Zimmer that can be found on Youtube. Oh, and the battles? Just a bunch of dressed up idiots running into each other. That's it.Furthermore, the film is very lopsided when it comes to Alexander's life, focusing almost exclusively on his upbringing, with a little on the campaign against Persia. This leads to glossing over the Indian campaign, the mass Greek/Persian marriages and ultimately, the man's final legacy to the world; the union of cultures. How someone like Rossen missed such a powerful idea is beyond me. And even when we focus on the home stuff, it's just passing muster with so-so dialogue and characterization, and again, the production values only serve to distract even more.In some deference, we do have a talented cast here, boasting the likes of Richard Burton, Peter Cushing, Stanley Baker and Frederic March, and all do their expected best. Burton is a little awkward at first, mainly due to his blonde wig, but he is suitably commanding yet spirited. Still, this is just not enough.Frankly, for all its jumbling and Angelina Jolie, Stone's 'Alexander' is the better film, with superior battles, more of Alexander's life on display, and an outstanding score by Vangelis. This, however, is for genre enthusiasts only, as there is little here to make a trip worthwhile. If you still want classic epics, go with Ben Hur instead.

cal reid I bought this film in the hope that it would deliver an engaging and exciting portrayal of history's greatest king who conquered Europe and Asia at the age of 22. However when i watched it i was disappointed to say the least even the great Richard Burton could not save this dull , unimaginative and slow paced "epic". The battle scenes seem to have been added at the last minute as they come across as shabby and dull. At two hours the film is way too long if it were an hour and a half it would be easier to sit through. The pace of the film does not change its starts off slow and remains slow until the end. Richard Burton tries to deliver an over the top and dramatic portrayal of Alexander but it just feels very out of place here. The film does have some good qualities. It is well shot and the costumes and sets are visually stunning.

peejoui Amongst all the other 'greats' on show, this dreadful over-acting ham really scaled the heights of grotesque rubbish in this film. As always, he delivered his lines in that constipated, yet far too rapid way. Please also look at the scene where he stabs his father's killer.....if you need lessons in putrid acting, look there. The battle scenes were short and pathetic; the costumes laughable. Then there were the cities. Seems all the money went on the alcoholic, as there was little or no attempt at accuracy and/or grandeur. Michael Hrodern was OK though!Dire film capped by this dire little man. Along with that Brando creature and Olivier, this idiot goes to show how stupid, crass and ridiculous actors are. Oh, and their fans. Execrable filth.