Do you like Shakespeare? In particular, do you at all like this play: Titus Andronicus?
The answer to above question, I think, will decide whether or not you would like this film. It has a fine cast (Anthony Hopkins, Jessica Lange, Alan Cumming, and Harry Lennix all perform admirably--though Cumming ought begin to fear type-casting) and some of the most incredible art direction and cinematography I have ever seen. The movie is drop-dead gorgeous and visually appealing from the opening sequence: I would really like to see an epic fantasy similar to what we were talking about the other day with Dune look this damn good. Someone else with whom I was discussing the film told me that director Julie Taymer was also responsible for the look of the Broadway production of the Lion King, for which she won a Tony, but I haven't verified those facts.
Titus is faithful to the play. I followed along with a text and although some dialogue was likely cut, I never noticed a dropped scene at all. In terms of mounting a production of Shakespeare for the big screen, I thought it did a much better job than the last couple of Kenneth Branagh's (Othello and Hamlet).
So, we have great acting, stunning visuals, and a script written by Shakespeare. What's not to like?
As most Motiers no doubt know, Titus Andronicus is generally considered Shakespeare's worst play. If you can't handle revenge plots laden with blood and disembodied limbs, avoid this play and avoid this movie. It makes the climax of Hamlet seem positively PG. And if you want to watch something you'll feel good about afterward, again, avoid this film. It's dire, death, and destruction: but done up as sumptuously as a fine pastry stuffed with human meat.
