A stylish, gritty film that impresses the eye, but lacks the energy to pull it over the finish line

Rating: 5/10 (15 September 2008)

300 is an epic story. Telling the tale of how 300 Spartan warriors fought 250,000 Persians, and lost, but also won in many ways. It was a story of honour and how each of the 300 men gave their blood and energy to protect their people. so, now Zack Synder is retelling the story, but this time, it's style over substance.
There is nothing wrong with style, it may be fickle, but it is one of the most powerful and compelling weapons in a director's arsenal. This is why in 300, the picture is bleak, the enemy are half-human half-monster, and the 300 Spartans have giant 6 packs drenched in oil. So, first and foremost, 300 is really a treat for women with a strong stomach. There is nothing wrong with this, the film flows well and has a fantasy element which is undeniably strong-willed. 300 is bold and is a film with some bite. But unfortunately, not even style can save 300 from being a bitter disappointment.
The fact is, 300 lacks energy. There are over 4 battles, each annoyingly similar; people in slow-mo, spearing various horrific creatures. I'm sorry, we're not 1999 where slow-mo could pass for entertainment (The Matrix). We're in an age where we expect inventive effects and set-ups, forcing upon the audience a variety of feelings and emotions. But during every battle scene in 300, with the exception of half of one, not even a nerve will tingle, your fists won't tighten, and you feel little emotion for the 300 homo-erotic men. The film feels like it was choreographed and directed by someone who played computer games for far too long and was level 100 on World of Warcraft. 300 wants to build up, climaxing for one strenuous battle after the next, but instead you get 2 hours of characterless men shouting. The Spartans have no honour in 300, they are loud posh french designers in a skin suit.The film has no tension, no character or shape. It relies wholly on style, grit, blood and dramatic effects shots. Not enough, sorry, not enough.