A visual masterpiece

Rating: 9/10 (3 August 2007)

300 is a damn near perfect film. If it weren't for it's somewhat lacking script it'd be a four star movie for sure. I feel conflicted reviewing this movie because I had a great time with it but it is extremely weak in the most crucial area of film, the script. I'm actually amazed 300 works so well because if the other aspects of the film hadn't been perfect 300 would fail.
300's strongest assests are the visuals and Gerald Butler. 300 is a beautiful film to look at. Cinemotographer Larry Fond should be a shoe in at this Oscars. The camera work here is absolutely outstanding. Zack Snyder is showing great potential as a director. His Dawn of the Dead remake was outstanding. Snyder works because he knows how to handle his gore. I find it great to say that Snyder adds substance to a man getting decapitated.
Butler deserves huge credit. Leonidas on paper is a clichÃ© spewing hero but Butler makes this character interesting and compelling when he really shouldn't be. Butler makes the character and thus the movie work. His delivery of the lines is perfect, so perfect that we forget the lines are bad even for a lousy B movie writer.
300 is with all honesty the best popcorn film ever made.