Review of 300: Rise of an Empire (2014) by Tommyjames B — 27 Jul 2014

I was a fan of the original 300, when it came out I found it visually stunning, and simply amazing. With that being said, I really wasn't surprised when a squeal was made. I wasn't thrilled about 300: Rise of an empire because I figured all had been solved in the first film. So I decided to see the new 300 film in IMAX, the real question is did it pay off? Would it fall short of the original? I would have to say no. Much to my shock 300: Rise of an empire was very well done.

After its victory over Leonidas' 300, the Persian Army under the command of Xerxes marches towards the major Greek city-states. The Democratic city of Athens, first on the path of Xerxes' army, bases its strength on its fleet, led by admiral Themistocles. Themistocles is forced to an unwilling alliance with the traditional rival of Athens, oligarchic Sparta whose might lies with its superior infantry troops. But Xerxes still reigns supreme in numbers over sea and land.

I would like to start by saying Eva Green is absolutely amazing as Xerxes naval admiral Artemisia. While the film does give back story to Xerxes, it stands true that Artemisia is the true villain behind the god king. Her back story is also told as a vengeful woman who hopes to burn the free cities. She is vicious and does a great job of realizing what kind of film she is in. Sullivan Stapleton has a break out performance as the amped up admiral of the Greeks. Much like Gerard Butler in the first film Stapleton provides us with all the muscle and testosterone we could possibly need for lead of this action packed movie. There isn't much character development to go on as much of the back stories are told in the first 30 minutes of the film. After that the brutal action and over the top violence takes hold.

The action is very well done, returning to real time fight scenes in order to get the full effect of the imax. Every drop of blood every lost limb and every slowed down scene captures your imagination of how big and insane these battles could have been. Beautifully shot and well executed ever fight scene is intense and feels as if you are in the center of the battle. The final battle it's self was one the best choreographed fights I have ever seen. Amazing and breath taking with every blow of the sword.

The film does has it short comings, I feel as if some of the supporting characters are flat and sometimes lifeless, even when they are screaming in battle they seem to be just there to fill the scene. The sex scene although very well done was much over the top and seemed a little hammed up. But other than that 300: Rise of an empire does not disappoint. Beautiful fight scenes, amazing use of IMAX 3D this film earns it's rating.

FINAL RATING 7/10.