While the action set pieces are remarkable, *Napoleon* doesn’t quite succeed. It's just my take, but this Ridley Scott movie didn't resonate with me. I wasn't invested in what was happening, and I didn't find myself drawn into the story unfolding on screen. Joaquin Phoenix is perfectly fine in his role; I have no issues with his performance—nor do I with Vanessa Kirby’s. My disappointment stems from the film i…

It’s disappointing; the film overlooks Napoleon's groundbreaking achievements, centering instead on his marriage. It seems geared toward an audience unfamiliar with historical context. I consider it a misstep. The battle sequences are well-done, though the Austerlitz scene, filmed in what is now Vyskov, Czech Republic, lacks modern accuracy. Joakim continues to impress, and certain visuals convey a feeling of …

The film “Napoleon” attempts a sweeping portrayal of the French emperor’s life within a feature-length movie, but ultimately proves too much for the format. While boasting impressive visuals and an energetic directorial hand, the picture is hampered by a script that reaches beyond its grasp and numerous historical errors that prove more disruptive than illuminating. Joaquin Phoenix's take on Napoleon feels uneven; he…

This feels like another film in the vein of Sir Ridley Scott’s "Kingdom of Heaven" (2005), something crafted for people who appreciate sweeping historical movies, not necessarily historians. It's possible that enjoying this one is easier if you don’t have a deep understanding of the actual events. The story begins with Marie Antoinette’s death and shows Napoleon Bonaparte (Joaquin Phoenix) observing from within a lar…

This film adds to a worrying pattern in movies today, where important historical stories are reworked into empty displays focused on visual thrills. While there are some strong performances and the battle scenes look impressive, Ridley Scott doesn't manage to maintain a consistent tone, which results in jarring changes between serious moments and unexpected humor. The detached way the movie portrays the suffering …