Channing Tatum plays a Roman leader (Marcus) and Jamie Bell plays a slave (Esca) from Britain in 140 AD. Marcus's father led the 9th Legion (5000 soldiers) into north Britain 20 years earlier, only to never return, and the Eagle (the Roman golden standard that's carried into conquest activities) was lost with this venture. Although saddled with his father's failure throughout his life, Marcus rises through the military ranks, but his heroics land him with injuries and a discharge. Soon enough after his recovery, he takes pity on Esca, who was fighting in a gladiator-like match and overmatched, and Esca becomes Marcus's slave. Marcus goes walkabout with Esca to find out what happened to his father and the 9th Legion and to recapture the Eagle, if he can.
For the most part, the film plays it pretty straight with the look and tone, but it's not overly engaging. Plus Tatum's attempt at a Roman/English accent sounds forced and unnatural. The battle scenes, and close-quarter action scenes were decent, though. If you like this sort of genre of film, I think it'll be mildly interesting.
I give it 2.5 stars, or a grade of C+.
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