Alexander MPAA Rating: R Entertainment: +2 1/2 Content: -2

This Oliver Stone directed action film is based on the life of Alexander the Great. As the son of the battle-scarred King Philip (Val Kilmer) and manipulative Olympias (Angelina Jolie), Alexander (Colin Farrell) grows up conflicted in his soul. Desperate for his parents approval, Alexander sets out to unite and conquer the known world. As King of Macedonia, he finds few he can trust besides his two closest companions, Commander Hephaistion (Jared Leto) and General Ptolemy (Anthony Hopkins). Alexanders wife (Rosario Dawson) must compete with Hephaistion, who also serves as Alexanders lover. Backed by the Grecian and Macedonian armies, Alexander journeys thousands of miles across the brutal and treacherous plains of Asia, establishing the most powerful empire in history. But the voyage comes with intense grief and agony as Alexander perseveres through some of the most severe tests a man can face.

The film compellingly conveys the power of a mans vision as Alexander nearly conquers the world. But its a picture of a man driven to please his parents and to find significance in temporary successes and prestige. While he achieved greatness, Alexander went to the grave unfulfilled, an example of those who end up embittered or dissatisfied because they fail to find their satisfaction in Christ. Many will find the continual homosexual innuendos concerning, particularly since they are portrayed as acceptable. An explicit and lengthy heterosexual sex scene also contributes to the demise of this film, along with a large amount of vivid violence and flowing blood. While Alexander maintains most of the historical accuracy and has strong acting performances, it muddles moral absolutes and sends a dangerous message to our contemporary culture.

Preview Reviewer: Troy Dandrea
Distributor: Warner Bros.