good but not great epic

Rating: 8/10 (3 February 2008)

This is one weird film,probably not for all tastes that is unlike any other Ancient Greece "Sword & Sandal"epic.It's based on a Frank Miller graphic novel and you have never seen the Persian army portrayed on the screen as it is here,like they are monsters.Film has very little to do with facts and history apart from the bare bones facts.Film's battle scenes are brutal and up close and personal as it must have been in many ancient battles over the centuries and impressive, if at times artificial as is the feeling you get throughout most of the film and the first half an hour or so is quite frankly dull.Film comes to life in the battle scenes and at the film's climax where it is the only time you feel any sense of bravery and emotion.Through all it's faults film is still good as a spectacle but for a lot of the time looks like a computer game, which may be the point.A good film but not great and it is to be honest over rated.It is fascinating,epic,and a spectacular spectacle and certainly a film experience.