Oliver Stone was on a mission with Alexander - he wanted to show us the man, not the myth. To understand the motivations and background of one of the most remarkable men of history. Indeed, he consulted heavily with a number of respected historians in an attempt to both construct as accurate a picture of the events as possible, and gain an insight into the man himself.

The result is a film which is certainly not for everyone. It is not the Hollywood-ised storytelling of Troy, not a film in which the plot serves primarily as a link between the epic battles. Indeed, those looking for an exciting sword and sandal spectacle will be disappointed by the slow pace and exposition which makes up most of the film. Those more interested in discovering the story of Alexander The Great will however be rewarded.

While over-acted and over-directed in parts, and with some questionable devices used in the story's timeline, Alexander is not the appalling film that many reviews would have you believe. Just don't go in looking for the blockbuster action movie most thought they were getting.