Master and Commander: Far Side of the World

As "Lucky" Jack Aubrey, Russell Crowe is quite good, and the physical details of this seafaring adventure are strikingly realized. However, I can't remember the last time I saw so much effort, energy, and expense expended in the service of so little. Aubrey's ship must outwit, outrun, and outfight a menacing French vessel in what is basically two hour's worth of naval engagements. Even the great director Peter Weir cannot elevate the material above the level of artful period action flick; it's kind of like watching a very expensive show on "The History Channel."