Awesome entertainment

Rating: 9/10 (11 June 2007)

This movie blew me away but I warn you - it's not for everyone. The violence is glorified and bloody and the machismo is over the top. But I liked it -as a former US Marine I identified with the military culture and warrior bravado  it was fun and made me cheer. Very few movies make you want to shout out loud these days. . All the homophobes who are critical of the movies portrayal of the Spartans need to grow up. The women were no less toned and attractive so what's the big deal? First off, it's a movie and doesn't claim to be an accurate history lesson. Second, the whole purpose of the movie is to entertain and visually please with photography, images, costumes, etc. On that level, this movie succeeds wildly. All this movie inspired me to do after watching its scantily clad actors was to go work out. Being in my upper 30's and married I realize a body like that takes a lot of work and should be appreciated.
This is a niche or genre movie that lovers of fine artsy films will probably hate. The plot is...well, there really is no plot. The acting is over the top and the images are enhanced. If you like artful, choreographed violence, stunning photography and visual images, and movies that glorify the warrior culture  you're in for a real treat. I look forward to the DVD with features and maybe even a directors cut. My biggest regret was having to watch this movie on a small 19" screen with a mono-speaker. This movie has huge presence and I hope IMAX brings it back for a second or repeated screenings.