11-06-2006, 05:27 PM
"Abysmal" is exactly the word I'd use. Here's a review I wrote for our newsletter back in August, 1998:
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...It's supposed to be based on Lindsey Davis' wonderful Falco novels, but the only recognizable similarities are the names of some of the characters--not their roles or personalities, just the names! Rather than launch into a diatribe on this celluloid atrocity, I'll just offer a few bits of advice to those involved in its creation.
To Lindsey Davis: Our deepest sympathy.
To the Script Writer: Never mind, you've obviously never read ANYTHING about Rome before, so you won't be reading this!
To the Actors: Act.
To the Director: Wakey, wakey!
To the Costume Designer: Congratulations! This is the very FIRST work of fiction to highlight the fact that Roman ladies wore undergarments! However, you omitted the overgarments.
To the Props Department: Discover Brasso.
To the Set Designer: What a clever re-use of the old "Planet of the Apes" sets!
To the Producers: Our sincere and eternal gratitude for NOT following your original intentions to make this into a TV series!
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Have to agree with Graham that Amanda Pays was the highlight, especially with regard to the afore-mentioned undergarments. But she doesn't make it worth watching.
Valete,
Matthew
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...It's supposed to be based on Lindsey Davis' wonderful Falco novels, but the only recognizable similarities are the names of some of the characters--not their roles or personalities, just the names! Rather than launch into a diatribe on this celluloid atrocity, I'll just offer a few bits of advice to those involved in its creation.
To Lindsey Davis: Our deepest sympathy.
To the Script Writer: Never mind, you've obviously never read ANYTHING about Rome before, so you won't be reading this!
To the Actors: Act.
To the Director: Wakey, wakey!
To the Costume Designer: Congratulations! This is the very FIRST work of fiction to highlight the fact that Roman ladies wore undergarments! However, you omitted the overgarments.
To the Props Department: Discover Brasso.
To the Set Designer: What a clever re-use of the old "Planet of the Apes" sets!
To the Producers: Our sincere and eternal gratitude for NOT following your original intentions to make this into a TV series!
---------------
Have to agree with Graham that Amanda Pays was the highlight, especially with regard to the afore-mentioned undergarments. But she doesn't make it worth watching.
Valete,
Matthew
Matthew Amt (Quintus)
Legio XX, USA
<a class="postlink" href="http://www.larp.com/legioxx/">http://www.larp.com/legioxx/
Legio XX, USA
<a class="postlink" href="http://www.larp.com/legioxx/">http://www.larp.com/legioxx/