fbpx

POMPEII

"Entertaining But Somewhat Sappy"

Watch:

What You Need To Know:

POMPEII is a very entertaining, yet somewhat sappy, disaster-adventure movie set during the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in Italy AD 79. Milo has been a slave since his family was slaughtered by the Romans when he was young. Now, he’s a dangerous gladiator. When Milo is transferred to fight in the arena at Pompeii, he meets the beautiful Cassia, the daughter of a prominent businessman. Tension rises when an evil Roman senator wants to force Cassia to marry him. Danger strikes when the volcano Mount Vesuvius erupts and threatens to destroy all of Pompeii.

POMPEII is wildly entertaining and has stellar visual effects. However, the ending is a bit disappointing and clichéd. Not surprisingly, Romanticism plagues the movie’s story, and false religious paganism is present in the characters lives. There are some strong moral elements, however. For example, several characters sacrifice themselves for the safety of others even though death is nearly guaranteed. Also, the Roman Empire is seen as debauched, cruel, and tyrannical. The entertaining, yet flawed, POMPEI warrants strong caution due to its mixed worldview and heavy action violence.

Content:

(RoRoRo, PaPa, FR, BB, C, L, VVV, S, N, A, M) Heavy romanticism stemming from a sappy plot, all the characters are shown as pagans, some praying to idols and ancestors, some strong moral themes are seen, including a redemptive element of sacrificing oneself for others though death is imminent; three light obscenities; some strong PG-13 action violence that includes a massacre of men, women, and children, dead bodies hang from trees, gladiatorial games where men fight to the death, sword fights where people are stabbed and sliced, a man’s finger is bitten off, a man breaks a horse’s neck with his bare hands, a slave is whipped, and a volcano kills tens of thousands of people; a brothel is mentioned, and one passionate kiss at the end; upper male nudity, a woman's nightgown reveals some cleavage and a girl’s dress reveals some leg; some drinking at a party; no smoking or drugs; and, gladiatorial fights are seen as entertainment, though it’s shown negatively.

More Detail:

POMPEII is a very entertaining, yet somewhat sappy, disaster-adventure movie set during the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in Italy AD 79.

Under Roman rule, the very young Milo saw his entire family and village slaughtered by soldiers. Pretending to be dead himself, Milo barely makes it out alive, but he’s subsequently captured by slave traders. Years pass and Milo becomes a valiant slave gladiator. Eventually, he distinguishes himself enough so that he’s transferred to fight in the arena at Pompeii.

Pompeii is a smaller Roman city resting between Mount Vesuvius and the harbor that’s largely controlled by the prominent and wealthy Lucretius (Jared Harris) and his wife, Aurelia. Lucretius plans to turn Pompeii into a great city. He invites Senator Corvis (Kiefer Sutherland) to Pompeii so that he might convince him to invest in his business ventures, but Corvis has his eyes on a bigger prize, Lucretius’s daughter, Cassia.

The smart and kind Cassia, who shared a few stolen glances with the slave Milo, refuses Corvis’s proposal. Later that night, Cassia and the slave Milo ride a horse to the hills. Cassia offers him the opportunity to escape his captors, but Milo decides that would be too dangerous for Cassia, and they return. Cassia is able to save Milo from being punished by death for their ride, but he’s stilled condemned to be beaten.

The next day, the gladiatorial games begins. With the “games” set against Milo and his fellow gladiator competitor Bridgageous, survival seems unlikely, especially since Senator Corvis wants Milo’s head for his rebelliousness. Little do they realize that the real danger lies in the active volcano behind them. When Mount Vesuvius erupts, a dash for survival begins. Milo must save Cassia from Corvis and the impending doom from the mountain.

POMPEII is wildly entertaining and has stellar visual effects. For the most part, the story holds strong and builds tension, but for a disaster movie, it lacks the eeriness of a much better movie, DANTE’S PEAK. While entertaining, the movie’s ending is so disappointing, so cliché, and utterly pointless, all romantics will likely hate the movie. For those who go for pure visual spectacle, however, you’re in for a treat.

Not surprisingly, Romanticism plagues the story of POMPEII and false religious paganism is present in the characters lives. There are some strong moral elements though. For example, several characters sacrificing themselves for the safety of others even though death is nearly guaranteed. Also, the Roman Empire is seen as debauched, cruel, and tyrannical.

In conclusion, the entertaining, yet flawed POMPEI warrants a strong caution due to its mixed worldview content and strong action violence.

Now more than ever we’re bombarded by darkness in media, movies, and TV. Movieguide® has fought back for almost 40 years, working within Hollywood to propel uplifting and positive content. We’re proud to say we’ve collaborated with some of the top industry players to influence and redeem entertainment for Jesus. Still, the most influential person in Hollywood is you. The viewer.

What you listen to, watch, and read has power. Movieguide® wants to give you the resources to empower the good and the beautiful. But we can’t do it alone. We need your support.

You can make a difference with as little as $7. It takes only a moment. If you can, consider supporting our ministry with a monthly gift. Thank you.

Movieguide® is a 501c3 and all donations are tax deductible.


Now more than ever we’re bombarded by darkness in media, movies, and TV. Movieguide® has fought back for almost 40 years, working within Hollywood to propel uplifting and positive content. We’re proud to say we’ve collaborated with some of the top industry players to influence and redeem entertainment for Jesus. Still, the most influential person in Hollywood is you. The viewer.

What you listen to, watch, and read has power. Movieguide® wants to give you the resources to empower the good and the beautiful. But we can’t do it alone. We need your support.

You can make a difference with as little as $7. It takes only a moment. If you can, consider supporting our ministry with a monthly gift. Thank you.

Movieguide® is a 501c3 and all donations are tax deductible.


Watch PAPER ANGELS
Quality: - Content: +4
Watch RUST
Quality: - Content: +4