A Hero Will Rise

   This week, different members of the production team that brought Ridley Scott's "Gladiator" to the big screen are introducing special screenings of the film at the AMC Century 14 at 7:30 p.m. 
   For several consecutive days -- which just so happen to fall smack in the middle of voting for the Academy Awards -- "Gladiator" is being featured in this unique format in order to set it apart from the other Oscar-nominated films. A new twist on the furious Oscar campaigning us Angelinos are used to seeing during this time of the year (scads of print and television ads, mostly). 
   The real draw will happen Friday, March 9, when the Gladiator himself Russell Crowe is scheduled to appear. No self-respecting Crowe fan should miss this event. However, make sure to call the theater first to verify his appearance, at (310) 289-4AMC.