Just a step away from greatness.

Rating: 7/10 (11 March 2007)

When I first saw previews for this movie, I got a very strong "looks too cool to be good" feeling. I love comic-based films and was hoping to be as pleasantly surprised with 300 as I was with V for Vendetta. This film delivers on so many levels, but for me, falls just short of greatness.
It is visually stunning, and I don't just mean artistically - ladies, the men in this film rate a solid 10 (hot, hot, hot). I also loved Lena Heady as Queen Gorgo. I actually cheered out loud for her - this is a great modern female character. The chemistry between her and Gerard Butler was riveting and, in my opinion, carried the film. I enjoyed the pithy dialog and can't wait to replay a few scenes on DVD.
On the flip side, the opening of the film was a dud. The scenes of Leonidas growing up could have been cut. I understand they're trying to explain the Spartan warrior culture, but it just didn't launch me into the story. Although the violence in the film is stylized, I still had to turn away now and then. I was also annoyed by the narration - it was frivolous and distracting. I thought the acting in the film teetered between brilliance and melodrama, but my husband described it simply as "cheesy."
Overall, I liked it, but I think they made some mistakes which kept the film from reaching its potential. It felt like a pulled punch - it lacked the impact I was expecting.