not been this disappointed in a long time

Rating: 6/10 (9 April 2007)

OK, i should state from the outset that i have been waiting to see 300 for several months, the trailers looked awesome, i think its fair to say i had high expectations. The reality unfortunately has left me a little empty. First the plus points: 1. Gerard Butler is superb, brooding, sensitive, authoritative, menacing remarkably all at the same time, his is the only standout performance in the movie.
2: Visually this is arguably one of the most consistent cgi movies ever made, beautiful scenery, brutal battle scenes, absolutely stunning.
Im sorry to say that is where it ends. The dialogue at times is cringe-worthy. The first 30 minutes had me wriggling in my seat because i was fighting to stop myself leaving. The effort to establish characters was rushed to the point where we only felt connected Leonidas and all the other cast were met with indifference.
Now my final complaint and for me it ruined the whole experience, the almost constant, intrusive and downright childish narration. If there is an Oscar for someone stating the bloody obvious it should go to the character who was forced to speak over several key moments with completely banal comments. Example, when Leonidas leaves for battle he sees his queen for the last time, we can see how they feel we appreciate how they feel, we know Leonidas loves her we know he is ever going to see her again the actors manage to convey this to the audience through their expressions and minimal dialogue. OK, fine, then we get some pillock talking over the top telling us how Leonidas felt like we haven't just experienced it. I got the impression the director did not either trust the audience to be intelligent enough to pick up on the subtleties or he didn't think the actors could convey any emotion without dialogue to accompany it.
I know the narration is in the past tense from the one survivor of the battle but it is supposed to fill in gaps and move the story on, not give us a running commentary.
I know it does not sound much but seriously it damn near ruined the whole thing for me.
Butler, and the outstanding fight scenes, by that i include the queens political fight back home, are the only things that persuaded me to stay put.
In fact how about remaking the whole thing with just music, turn it down when butler speaks then turn it back up again. Problem solved.