Synopsis: Freedom isn't free

Rating: 8/10 (16 March 2007)

First surprise: My wife talked me into seeing "300". I really couldn't understand why she was so interested in a gory comic book version of one of history's great battles. Our 17-year-old son even tried to talk her out of it. Second surprise: We actually enjoyed the movie! Yes, it's extremely violent, but after Saving Private Ryan, Apocalypto, Pan's Labytinth, and the evening news I suppose we're getting used to such things. And the look of the film is just detached enough from reality that its shock value is somewhat reduced. And boy is it gorgeous! I love stories of courage and honor, and this one has it in spades. Plus it doesn't pull any punches. The timing of its release--just as the Democratic Congress is trying to force trough a 'non-binding' resolution to cut-and-run from Iraq--just can't be a coincidence. As for the corrupt Spartan politician who stopped reinforcements from reaching Leonidas, I wonder which political party he would belong to if he were alive today.