Fight in the Shade

Rating: 6/10 (15 March 2007)

Greetings again from the darkness. Based on both historical fact and Frank Miller's graphic novel, "300" brings alive the legendary 300 Sparta soldiers.
Gerard Butler is truly powerful as King Leonidas, the leader who takes the men off to battle despite the disapproval of council. The battle scenes are extraordinary and unlike anything we have seen on film before. The hand to hand combat is breathless at times and the creatures of Xerxes army are quite the colorful lot, as his Xerxes himself (played flamingly by Rodrigo Santoro).
The weakness of the film comes from the lack of dramatic energy within the boundaries of Sparta. The citizens and council are faceless, save Dominic West as slimy Theron, and Lena Headey as the spunky Queen. No amount of spectacular action can save a lackluster story.