By Renee’ Collins
Rating: 4 (Out of 5 Reels)
The main reason I saw this film is because my teenage nephew was interested. I reminded myself that I had enjoyed the first film with Gerard Butler so I decided to give this one a look. Greek general Themistokles leads the charge against invading Persian forces led by mortal-turned-god Xerxes and Artemisia, vengeful commander of the Persian navy (IMDB).
What made the first film enjoyable for me was the intensity of the main characters. Spartans were apparently a ruthless race who valued strength and freedom above all. This film picks up after King Leonidas (Gerard Butler) and his brave three-hundred are killed standing up to the Persian army. Themistokles (Sullivan Stapleton) a brilliant warrior in charge of the Greek fleet which includes all Greeks except the Spartans. As in the first film the main characters are written well and the actors are intense and provide a convincing portrayal of ruthless warriors. Most notable are Stapleton as Themistokles and Eva Green as Artemisia. They stood out to me not only because they were the main characters but because of their excellent acting skills.
I saw this film not only in an IMAX theater but in 3D as well. Fortunately, I didn’t see the first film in 3D but this one takes the blood splatter of battle to an all new level. Since these films are more like graphic novels I am able to make an exception in seeing such a graphically violent film. I must say that seeing this film in 3D did not add to the film at all for me because that sort of thing is usually not my thing however, I am sure the younger folk will like it.
All in all this film is extremely violent and graphic but the writing and acting of the main characters make it an enjoyable ride for the viewer. However, I would suggest saving some money and going to a matinee.