Review of 300: Rise of an Empire (2014) by Kovacsbowman — 14 Jun 2014

Having only seen the briefest of trailers for 300: Rise of an Empire I was not too sure what to expect. (Even with the title hints).

The follow up to 300 turns out to be set at the same time as the first film, only your seeing battles being fought mainly on the open waves. Quality wise, this film is on the same par as the first one, with great CGI and the same stylised scenes.

However the story has a little less backbone, clutching at straws at certain times. That's not to say the story is terrible, just not as deep. You are introduced to several new characters and some old ones which end up being your main focus of this film.

You still get the same level of violence as you did in 300, only this time its a little unnecessary. Far too many blood gurgling scenes with unrealistic blood letting, which add nothing to the film or story. The level of swearing has also been ramped up, although i'm undecided if this is a good or a negative thing as far to often in films you find either the swearing missing or too extreme for the actions on screen. Maybe Rise of an Empire got this level just about right?

Either way this is not a film for little ones or for a quiet night in watching a film with the wife.

Overall, the film is worth a rent if you have seen the first one. But don't expect the same quality of film here.