300

Rating: 10

What it's about:
Based on the graphic novel by Frank Miller and Lynn Varley, 300 takes over the screen like an invading horde. With all the gushing blood of a horror movie and the scope of a classic epic, the second film from Zack Snyder (who helmed the 2004 remake of DAWN OF THE DEAD) is an impressive visual spectacle. Gerard Butler (THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA) plays Leonidas, the king of ancient Sparta. The city is famous for its warrior philosophy, and Leonidas won’t kneel to the demands of Persia's King Xerxes (LOST's Rodrigo Santoro). Instead, Leonidas leads his 300-strong army against Xerxes's army of millions. Meanwhile, his wife (Lena Headley, THE BROTHERS GRIMM) campaigns in Sparta for the city to send reinforcements as she butts heads with the treacherous Theron (Dominic West, THE WIRE). -taken from Rotten Tomatoes

My Thoughts:
This is an impressive movie, and I'm not just talking about all the muscles. What I noticed first about the movie is the color....or lack thereof. I think it was a great idea to lose most of the color. It's unique and fits the overall dark tone of the film. The fighting sequences are choreographed very well and make for exciting watching. They fight to some pretty heavy sounding guitars too! I love the choice of music in this movie. It's very modern and really rocks. Most period films stick to the music in that period but this one doesn't limit itself like that. The characters are awesome in this movie! I was continuously amazed at the make-up for some of these guys. The hunchback was totally believable and Xerxes really seemed larger-than-life. I know the sub-plot with the Spartan queen back home trying to drill up reinforcements wasn't in the comic book but I think it was a great idea to add it to the movie. It gives the movie way more depth.

I have read in different places how some people hated the movie because it is historically inaccurate. It's based on a comic book people! It's just some guy's (Frank Miller) idea of Thermopolylea. And I loved it!

Persian: A thousand nations of the Persian empire descend upon you. Our arrows will blot out the sun!
Stelios: Then we will fight in the shade.