PG Score: 6.25/10
Napoleon was released in theaters on 11/22/23
Lots of steam was put behind the Napoleon film, as it was one of the first big releases after the strikes in Hollywood. Joaquin Phoenix (Joker) and Ridley Scott (Black Hawk Down) are together again after all these years. Could they reignite the magic and success they had working together on Gladiator? Short answer, nope. Perhaps my expectations were too high, but regardless, this film wasn't what I hoped and I left feeling bored and disappointed.Â
Phoenix Slump?
Joaquin Phoenix, after so many great performances, had a lot of expectations put upon his adaption of Napoleon Bonaparte. Fair or not, nothing stands out about it. He comes off as an actor pretending to be someone rather than really owning the role like he has done previously. Maybe it's a trend, but following Beau is Afraid, this is his second film this year that leaves a lot to be desired.
Kirby Shines
Vanessa Kirby (Hobbs and Shaw) on the other hand takes advantage of this big break. Always cast more in a supporting role, this is her first (in my eyes) big opportunity to stand out. She does just that and is one of the more enjoyable aspects of this film, playing Napoleon's very complicated and not always faithful wife. The dynamic between her and Phoenix is fun to watch as both actors zone in on the flaws of the characters.
Napoleon Battles
The standout and biggest draw of the film were the battle sequences. Ridley Scott did not disappoint and seeing some of Napoleon’s greatest victories and defeats on-screen is something I will always enjoy. The crowning of Napoleon as Emperor was incredibly done and seeing the ego of the guy to crown himself is sure to leave a memory. Scott, when doing period pieces, always nails the aesthetic of the era. 18th-century France leading up to the revolution and the Napoleonic Wars to follow were what kept this film from being a complete snooze fest. Seeing the French army shoot cannons at the pyramids of Egypt would be a highlight in any film.
A Mild Disappointment
As far as period pieces and historical dramas go, Napoleon will fall by the wayside. Unlike the real Napoleon, this film won't leave its mark on the world. Long overdue, a film on one of the world's greatest Generals had a lot of hype leading up to it. The actor, the director, and Europe's greatest military mind aren't enough to make this a must-see film. I would wait for the rumored four-hour version to hit AppleTV at some point in the future. It's not the worst film in the world, but definitely not anything you have to rush and see.