I saw 300 last night and I figured I’d give you all a review of it and remind you of the Crackdown contest from Microsoft and Warner Bros.  It ends on March 19 so be sure you get your entries in.

Director: Zach Snyder
Producer: Warner Bros.

Review:

300 is based on Frank Miller’s graphic novel about the 480 B.C. Battle of Thermopylae, where the King of Sparta led his army against the advancing Persians.  Vastly outnumbered, the Greeks held back the enemy in one of the most famous last stands of history against the Persian King Xerxes and his army of well over 100,000.  300 is visually stunning!  I wanted to start off with that to prepare you for something your eyes will thank you for seeing.  The artistry behind the production was amazing. 

King Leonidas, played by Gerard Butler, leads 300 of the best Spartan warriors into battle and begins what was truly a fight to see.  His men fight to the death with their shields, swords and spears.  They are one as Leonidas states…one well-formed fighting machine with each of them protecting each other at all costs.  The battle begins and you see just how graphic the movie is but it’s done with such an incredible artist’s touch that it never seems over the top.  The crimson red of the Spartan’s robes match that of the sea of carnage they create with literally mountains of enemies. 

They encounter beasts, magic and immortals alike yet they stand strong against all odds; against the numbers that would stagger any ordinary warrior.  The acting in the movie was decent enough to carry the film’s rage but not enough to get the audience attached to the characters in such a way that you felt their pain.  It didn’t for me at least.  There was hardly any character development outside of King Leonidas leaving you to hopefully know the history behind the battle to form your connection.  Saying that though doesn’t take away from there being a general sense of emotion and panic which gives you a sense of hope that somehow the Spartans will prevail.  I’m sure the women in the audience were pleased either way as all of the Spartans looked incredibly ripped. (this was intentional to bring realism to the warriors and how barbaric the times were)

In a special on HBO, the cast commented on how they trained six (6) days a week in order to look the part physically.  They all did.  I can’t say enough about the look and feel of this film.  I recommend it and not because of the 70+ million dollars it took in this past weekend at the box office.  It is an epic tale of strength, hope and no retreat.  300 is a must-see film!  4 out of 5 stars.