Review of 300: Rise of an Empire (2014) by Shane S — 02 Nov 2015

Remember that one awesome naval scene in 300 where the Persian ships were wrecked off the coast of Thermopylae in the storm? Remember how disappointed you were when that scene was over?...No, just me? Well, this is an entire film dedicated to similar moments. Set before, during and after 300, Rise of an Empire doesn't try to portray just one event like 300 does, which works in its favor. Instead, it's what 300 should've been and that's a "God of War"-style hodgepodge of historical battles and characters in a stylish, alternative timeline that envelops the events of the first and second Persian invasions of Greece. It is undoubtedly superior to its predecessor in every way.

The VFX are very good, and they should be, considering they usually comprise about 90% of what you see on the screen at one time. Paired with the physical sets, they combine to bring Ancient Greece and Persia to vivid and mostly believable life. To the trained eye, you can see where the physical sets end and the green screen begins. While the VFX are good, they still will never compare to shooting at a physical location. I'd probably like the series better if it didn't overuse the green screen effects. Although, then you lose the whole 300 aesthetic.

That being said, the outstanding naval battles are what really sell this film. They blow 300's land battles out of the water. The Persian Oil Barge scene itself was better than 300 and it only took up around ten minutes of the film. The Battle of Salamis finale is breathtaking. As for the gore, it's a little over the top and stylized but not excessive to the point it takes you out of the movie. Get over it. If you didn't know that medieval combat was messy, then it's about time you learned. Ancient combat was probably as messy, if not messier. Back when war was war and, unless you were an Archer or a Spearman, had to be up in your enemy's face before you bloodily ended their life.

The story and acting are serviceable. The levels of narration are close to equal in this film and its predecessor, but still nearing unbearable levels. Unlike in 300, Rise of an Empire manages to say a lot more. Given the sheer amount of extra exposition the script tries to cram in, some leniency will be given. Eva Green, as Artemisia, does seem to be a tad bit more committed to her role than her fellow actors are to theirs. Her backstory is inaccurate but I didn't pay to see a 300 movie for the historical accuracy. I was really disappointed when she died. Part of me was hoping that she wins out in the end, but sadly, she does not. On the other hand, the male lead is a little flat. Sullivan Stapleton, as Themistocles doesn't really stand out. He delivers his lines somewhat convincingly, but doesn't seem to have the passion or charisma that Gerard Butler brought to Leonidas in 300.

Lena Headey returns to reprise her role as Spartan Queen Gorgo and she's a welcome sight. It never gets old watching her chew the scenery. (and later, kick a whole lot of ass) Lastly, Xerxe's freakish transformation is fully explored. As the son of a Persian king, he takes a dip in a magical spring and comes out a racist Persian caricature. Got it. It makes me despise his character a little less, which is a big win.