Paying scant attention to either historical accuracy or character complexity, the Xena: Warrior Princess director Lefler goes for a straightforward good versus evil plot with a predictable climactic battle.

There are, after all, aimed at young audiences plenty of movies more mean-spirited, indiscriminate and obnoxious than The Last Legion. But at the same time there are plenty that are, alas, less frustrating.

No twist is too farfetched for this Dino De Laurentiis epic.

As the Roman Empire crumbles, undemanding escapist entertainment with wonderful production design and a cast.