I can not be swayed....

Rating: 10/10 (9 March 2007)

Running a video store, I see a lot of movies.
Being a total nerd, and lacking a social life, I pride myself on my knowledge of movies, actors, and general things of the like.
I have my favorite movies, and movies that I think are "The best movie ever." Well, since I have a lot of time to sit and think about stuff, and since one of my far off dreams is to be a movie critic, I had come to the conclusion that...even though these are my "favorite" movies, and the "best" movies ever made...all of them have some sort of flaw. There are plot holes, there is filler where it's not needed, movies drag on, and sometimes acting lacks.
This is normal, it's going to happen...in every movie. At least that's how I felt until roughly 2:15a.m.
(Prepare for corny movie ass kissing) I went to see the midnight showing of 300. I could almost end it at that and leaving you guessing as to if the movie contradicts my prior reservations on all movies, even the best of my favorites.
Basically, I went into it having only seen previews, obviously. EVERYONE wants to see this movie based on the previews...in showing how the movie was shot as far as lens filters, and the fact that Frank Miller wrote the graphic novel and directed. Frank Miller also did Sin City, and so people know it's going to be awesome just from that. Although, even though Sin City is one of the coolest movies ever....it follows the guidelines of: Plot holes, Bad Acting, and a general lack of what it needed to actually be a GREAT movie.
Basically, everyone expects that 300 is going to be awesome. Oooh, random chaotic violence and a lot of unheeded gore and bloodshed. That was my assumption at least. And, strange enough, I like movies like that. I'm not a typical girl in that sense.
Getting the point and steering away from droning: In going over it in my head, over and over, pretty much all night (consider my lack of a social life), I can not think of a single thing I did not like about this movie.
The story was there, the plot was full. Those are the key things.
It didn't take it's time to get to the point of the movie by adding agonizing explanation. It explained enough to where you understand what's going on, and what's going to happen. It got to the exciting part of the movie very quickly, and stayed exciting throughout. Oh, and it was definitely the most violent and gruesome movie to ever be put out for public viewing.
Acting? Yeah, there was the presumption that there would be bad actors. There was one: Rodrigo Santora played self assumed God Xerxes...and his acting was MISERABLE...and I wouldn't have wanted it any other way. His acting was made to be OBVIOUSLY terrible...and it fits for the character...Xerxes. He was a man, a mortal who decided himself to be a God of men and therefore immortal. He's meant not to be taken seriously, and therein made to do a bad "acting" job for the movie...and therefore the acting was AMAZING on all ends.
The cinematography is just completely unbelievable. You think you can tell from the previews? No way dude. It will blow your mind. This movie could have sucked on all ends but still been tolerable to watch based on the way it was filmed alone. (much like Sin City) And finally...one thing that I can't stand, and it's really not because I'm a girl...it's not, is when there's a lot of random pointless nudity in a movie that is basically only there to draw guys in to see the movie. This movie had it's fair share of nudity, but all of it in good taste and not enough to base the movie's appeal around it. As a matter of fact, I would find this movie more UNappealing for a guy because of how much male exposure there is. No, not full frontal, but my god...if every single one of the 300 did not have a full and solid ripped 8-10 pack. Again, I'm not a typical girl in most senses, but had the movie been terrible...I could have tolerated it based on that alone.
Ending this rant: 300 has most assuredly become the best movie I have ever seen. No, you can not sway me on that. It was perfect. Every aspect. No plot holes, no filler, no real bad acting, and it was appealing to all senses. You leave the movie feeling more powerful...standing an inch or two taller...and it will provide good conversation for a long time to come. Go see it. Go see it twice, it deserves your hard earned dollar.
As for me, the Imax is my next destination to see it again.