Honest Trailers Season 1 Episode 165 Honest Trailers - Gladiator

In season 1 episode 165 of Honest Trailers, the team takes a deep dive into the epic historical drama Gladiator. The trailer starts with a disclaimer that this movie is brutal and bloody, so it's not for the faint of heart. Nevertheless, the show takes the time to appreciate the skillful direction of Ridley Scott and the performances of the cast, led by the charismatic Russell Crowe.

As always, Honest Trailers is all about poking fun at the movie's weaknesses, and Gladiator has plenty of those. For one, there's the fact that the story is full of cliches and familiar tropes - from the underdog hero seeking revenge to the corrupt ruler with a sinister laugh. The trailer points out how convenient it is that everyone in ancient Rome speaks perfect English, and how some of the actors feel like they wandered in from a different movie (we're looking at you, Joaquin Phoenix).

Of course, Gladiator is also famous for its epic battle scenes, and Honest Trailers is quick to point out how over-the-top they can be. From the slow-motion shots to the dramatic music, it's clear that the movie is trying to be as thrilling as possible. However, the trailer also reveals some of the behind-the-scenes secrets - like the fact that some of the "crowd" scenes were actually made up of cardboard cutouts.

One of the funniest parts of the Honest Trailer is when they compare Gladiator to other movies that came out around the same time. Apparently, it's easy to confuse Gladiator with The Patriot or Braveheart - after all, they all have similar plots, sword fights, and men wearing skirts. The show also jokes about how Maximus (Crowe's character) is basically the medieval version of John Wick - unstoppable, vengeful, and prone to saying one-liners.

Despite all the jokes, Honest Trailers also acknowledges that Gladiator is a visually stunning movie that has stood the test of time. Even if some of the CGI is a little dated now, there's no denying that the Colosseum looks majestic, the costumes are impressive, and the overall production design is top-notch. The show also gives props to Hans Zimmer for his memorable score, which has become a classic in its own right.

As the trailer wraps up, Honest Trailers sums up their feelings on Gladiator by saying that it's a movie that's easy to enjoy but hard to take seriously. It's a bit of a guilty pleasure, with its cheesiness and melodrama, but that's also part of the fun. Whether you're a history buff or just in the mood for a sword-and-sandals movie, Gladiator is a solid choice - but maybe don't watch it with your kids.