Release: Pompeii

 

Pompeii

Genre: Historical/Drama/Adventure

Director: Francis Lawrence

Writer: Mark Newton

Based on the novel by Robert Harris

Cast: George MacKay, Emma Watson, Eric Bana, Ian McShane, Tobias Menzies, John Bradley, Eddie Marsan, Matt Nable, Louis Partridge, Miranda Otto, Malachi Kirby, Noma Dumezweni

Budget: $105,000,000

Domestic Box Office: $124,943,500

Foreign Box Office: $242,058,345

Total Profit: $81,303,990

Reaction: Not only does Pompeii buck the buck the trend of the Novel Adaptation Curse, but it also surprisingly becomes the second highest grossing and second most profitable film of Season 27 so far.

"Pompeii is the type of epic historical film that you don't see much of anymore. George MacKay and Emma Watson make for a couple of good looking and likable romantic leads, easily getting the audience to buy into their characters and their relationship. The highlight of the film may be Eric Bana though as the film's glorious scenery-chewing villain." - Cooper Wilson, The Earl Hays Press

"Despite being intrigued by the concept of a movie on this subject, I was left dissatisfied again with yet another average film about it. While I appreciated Francis Lawrence's distinct artistic style and impressive visuals, I found the cast's performance lacking. Though the movie showcased incredible potential, the actors' execution of every scene left much to be desired for me." - Scarlett Perez, Reelz Channel

"Pompeii is a novel adaptation that works for a rare instance. It keeps the framework of the novel, but distills the important elements of Robert Harris' book into a streamlined Hollywood package. Our two romantic leads, MacKay and Watson, don't get a ton of time to build their relationship on screen, but both are talented enough to sell it. Bana is clearly having a blast as Watson's villainous father as well. The film has a grand romantic style as well, like an Ancient Greek Titanic, where even though you know the ending it will still sweep you away." - Tom Lane, Detroit News

Rated R for scenes of disaster/peril, thematic material, frightening imagery, violence and some sensuality