Visually entertaining; Lacks any plot

Rating: 5/10 (30 July 2008)

I happened to attend a history lecture (as a peer; not a student) on the day the professor was discussing this battle. He had mentioned the movie didn't exactly parallel the actual, historical battle, but I figured that's par for the course - especially when you're talking about a battle that took place this far back in history.
About halfway through the movie, I realized that the movie not only failed to parallel the historic battle, it wasn't even trying. I understand the movie is based more off of Frank Miller's comic book than an actual historical event, but there could have been a little substance to the movie outside of the action. Miller's "Sin City" at least had the appearance of a few story lines. The same cannot be said for 300.
That said, 300 is visually engaging and has enough effects to provide on-the-surface entertainment. Just don't expect to become emotionally engaged in this film.