A fun addition to comic-style action flicks. Popcorn fun that is.

Rating: 8/10 (13 April 2007)

This is no "Gladiator" by any means but meh, it still delivers some decent fun.
"300" takes the epic genre to a new dimension. It does not conquers it but it gives it a new face; the face of popcorn cinema with plenty of action and spectacular CGI. Now I can imagine how, to name some examples, "Clash Of The Titans" impressed and haunted millions. In these days with the advance of technology and more, it was necessary to make an epic movie that could exploit the benefits of this new millennium's technology. I watched this movie with high expectations and with the sole purpose of having a blast; I mean, an entertaining evening. I expected spectacular epic battles, heroic speeches, excellent f&x and I got all what I wanted. Don't take the movie too seriously and you might enjoy it big time.
My main problem with the movie is the plot which is not even historically accurate or isn't interesting enough but I don't mind because you get candy for the eye all the time.
300 is spectacular in all the sense of the word. It makes you feel powerful at some points. Even if it's not historically accurate, you should keep in mind that the main purpose of the movie is to entertain audiences and renew the epic genre. I can understand that modern Iranians feel insulted with the movie's display of the glorious Persian era, but they need to understand that this is only a movie and so is the right of expression. At any moment the movie offends directly Iran's culture and past.
The action sequences are mainly battles between the Spartan and Persian armies but there are other scenes such that display the lust and atrocities of the Persian empire, some "heroic" speeches and more. There's glorious gore, exciting battles, great acting, and an amazing score. What else can you ask for?
The performances are sui generis. I mean, Zack Snyder directed talented actors to display heroic characters based on a comic-book. So plenty of people could consider the acting as over-the top but I say that it is just perfect for the movie's tone. Gerard Butler plays masterfully King Leonidas. He does what he has to do; and that is to create a brave, powerful, strong King that would do anything to defend his kingdom. His acting was simply amazing. The same for Dominic West, David Wenham,and Vincent Regan. The three of them were powerful on their roles. Lena Headey was hot as hell and also delivered a brave performance. Rodrigo Santoro truly impressed me with his performance as Xerxes. The rest of the cast is just okay.
Zack Snyder's direction is outstanding. He truly created a new fightning system in cinema. The movie is epic but also feels like a powerful comic-book. The f/x are part of the new generation and the cinematography is also impressive. This is the complete epic movie because it has all the winning elements. Be sure to watch it on theaters.
This is an example of how money can entertain.