Flash Movie Review: 300: Rise of an Empire
When I began posting my movie reviews I made a commitment to write one a day for an entire year. It was not always easy; I had to decline social engagements, besides dealing with the electronic gremlins that would mess up my postings from time to time. There were days where my fingers had to do double time to get the review done before the strike of midnight; not that I would turn into a pumpkin, just wouldn’t be able to keep my word. However, I carried out my promise to myself and did it. Some of my friends thought I was crazy with my rigid dedication but I have always had that trait. It is similar to my not eating 5 hours before I go to bed as a means of maintaining my weight. Right from the beginning of this action drama, I could identify with the actors’ dedication in achieving their impressive chiseled physiques besides the characters’ determination in fighting to the death to save their land. I cannot call this a sequel since the writers were clever to create a story that paralleled the story from the previous movie, 300. Sullivan Stapleton (Animal Kingdom, Gangster Squad) played Greek General Themistokles. With the Persian King Xerxes, played by Rodrigo Santoro (What to Expect When You’re Expecting, I Love You Phillip Morris), moving forward in his conquest for all of Greece; Themistokles would have to take his battle to the sea against the king’s massive navy led by skilled commander Artemisia, played by Eva Green (Dark Shadows, Casino Royale). It would take cunning, strategy and most of all courage to try and defeat the Persian forces that outnumbered Themistokles’ fighters. This movie played out like a dramatic opera; there were a multitude of heroic speeches, gruesome fights and passionate pleas. When I said gruesome I meant it because there was so much blood being spilled throughout the entire film that the characters even mentioned they would turn the ocean into a sea of red. It would be hard to talk about the acting since the whole movie had a graphic novel, computer game look to it; the characters were more cartoonish to me. I thought Eva was impressive with her fighting skills, finding it a nice twist to have a female badass. Playing the Spartan Queen Gorgo, I wished Lena Headey (The Purge, Game of Thrones-TV) had more screen time since her character had more dimension to me. This bloody war film started to become repetitive with its cycle of speeches and battles. Do not consider this movie as a history lesson; it was just fun to watch on the big screen. Also, no one could fault the actors for their dedication in contributing to this movie’s sharp look. There were multiple scenes with blood and violence throughout the film.
2 1/3 stars
Posted on March 10, 2014, in Drama and tagged 2 1/3 stars, action, drama, eva green, greece, history, lena headey, persia, rodrigo santoro, sullivan stapleton, war. Bookmark the permalink. 15 Comments.
I loved the lady in the movie. She is beautiful
Which actress are you referring to from the film?
The butt kicker
The one that bring the king to power
Okay yes I agree, Eva Green. I read they kept training her with her fighting skills while filming began.
a man who cares about keeping his word…. Good for you!
Thanks Bill. One’s word is one of the most sacred things I person has to offer.
I wanted to feel the ahuuuu moment but it buhuuuuuuuu moment for me
Yea, I agree it was a bummer on some levels. Thanks for the comment.
Hi. I came by to thank you for liking my article at The Talking Violin, regarding cellphones and planes. Your support meant a lot to me. xxoo, Amy
Amy it is so sweet of you to come by and leave your comments. Thank you and keep up your wonderful posts.
Thank you!!! (((HUGS))) Amy
Eva Green. Gorgeous voice. Reminds me of Maud Adams in Octopussy.
Ooh, you are good in hearing voices; I like you choice. Thanks for telling me.
I enjoyed 300 so much that I bought the Blu-Ray. That is saying something when there are so many streaming and rental options available. The only real complaint I had was the green screen. I know that much of that decision was based on budgetary issues but it would have been nice to see 300 on the same scale as Braveheart or Gladiator. Still, I am very much looking forward to seeing this movie when it becomes available for rental.
I agree with you, it would be interesting to have seen this film done on a big budget. Glad you enjoyed it so much.