Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World

Starring: Russell Crowe, Billy Boyd, Paul Bettany, James D'Arcy, Lee Ingle

Directed by: Peter Weir

RS: 3of 4 Stars

2003 20th Century Fox Action

Wily old warriors going after a longtime enemy, putting pride ahead of reason, fighting an unnecessary war, but doing it well. It's a great plot -- too bad it works better in movies than in real life. Master and Commander's greatest strength -- aside from masterful performances by Russell Crowe and Paul Bettany -- is in the almost sickening intensity of its battle scenes. It's an anti-war movie for war buffs.

WILL DANA
(RS 946, April 29, 2004)