His direction of the gladiator fights is also noteworthy. Unlike the gritty, shaky-cam brutality of Gladiator or the hyper-stylized speed-ramping of 300 , Anderson opts for a middle ground. The fights in the arena are choreographed with a clear geography, emphasizing the athletic prowess of the actors. The use of 3D technology was a major selling point for the film, and Anderson utilizes it to throw debris, ash, and fireballs directly at the audience. While this can feel gimmicky, it aligns with the film's intent to be a theme-park ride rather than a somber documentary.
★★★☆☆ (3/5) – A flawed but entertaining B-movie with an A-budget for its destruction sequences. pompeii film 2014
