Perfect for what it was.

Rating: 9/10 (17 March 2007)

There are times when a film starring virtually unknown actors electrifies the screen and the audience. This is one of those times. From beginning to end, I was riveted to my seat. I predict that a few years from now, when some people say, "They don't make 'em like that anymore," they'll be referring to "300" and movies like it.
Now, a "critical" comment on certain "critics." There are a lot of naysayers who complain about historical inaccuracies in the film. My question to them is "Why?" This movie is about a real historical event and many of the roles were of real people who participated. But everyone going into this movie KNEW (or should have known) that it was based on a "graphic novel." Some such novels are referred to as "faction" - a mixture of fact and fiction. So I went into the theater expecting nothing more than a good tale of action and adventure. And, I got what I was looking for. Critics looking for a factual retelling of events should rent or buy the History Channel special, "Last Stand of the 300." But if you do, buy some "No-Doz" tablets to stay awake ... something no one needed to take for this film.
Final note. If you're wondering why I only rated it 9 out of 10, here's why. I was totally immersed in the action when a film-goer 2 seats behind me started laughing and said, "Oh, God - a smallpox vaccination." My eyes were immediately drawn to the bare upper left arm of a Spartan soldier who was talking to Leonidas and, sure enough, there was a big-as-life circular smallpox vaccination scar on his arm. It did take some enjoyment away from the film as I confess to spending some of my time looking for other flubs (Rolex watches, etc.). Didn't see any. And, if it hadn't been for a sharp-eyed film-goer, I'd have rated this film a solid 10.
It is already on my "to buy" list when the DVD is made available.