The latest Hollywood blockbuster historical epic has just hit our movie screens. Fans of spectacular swords and sandals extravanganzas like “Gladiator” and “Troy” will be clamoring to see “Alexander”, the latest work by legendary director Oliver Stone. (For more on family entertainment, visitors to http://www.llennac.com can check their latest listings and more.)

“Alexander” stars Hollywood man of the moment Colin Farrell as Alexander the Great, the 4th century Macedonian king and military genius who conquered the entire known world by the age of 25.

The scale of the story is truly epic, following the story of Alexander’s rise from ruler of tiny Macedonia, to conquer the might of the Persian Empire, then Egypt and ultimately India. His conquest shaped the destiny of the Western world for centuries to come by spreading Greek culture throughout the known world and paving the way for the expansion of the Roman Empire.

Stunning cinematography, magnificent locations and spectacular visual effects are probably the real stars. The film was shot in locations in Morocco, Thailand and the UK, and the sweeping landscapes and computer enhanced battle scenes are truly breathtaking, even for contemporary audiences jaded by a constant barrage of cinematic miraculousness. At almost three hours, this extravagant marathon of a film places itself decisively within the grand Hollywood epic tradition.

Critics’ reaction to the film has been underwhelming, to say the very least. Most are describing it more or less as a triumph of style over substance, as critics will tend to do with a major release of this type. However, audiences who love good entertainment will be the final judge.