If you've seen it, your reviews here

[GSFOR]

Well, I saw 300 the other night. And I'll say my reaction was mixed, though it was more on the negative side than on the positive side. This isn't a good film - it is more or less an entertaining one, but far from something worthy of legitimate critical praise.

First, the positives, because they should always come first. Gerard Butler is great and charismatic, giving a very fun performance that literally carries the film. Some of the imagery is lovely (the highlight is the sequence with the oracle... absolutely gorgeous and dreamlike - hopefully that's a sign of things to come with WATCHMEN). The action scenes are, for the most part, quite thrilling, even when they enter very silly territory.

But 300 has many problems. The dialogue in this film is terrible. Yes, I know most of it is Miller's own work - but Miller's dialogue works ONLY on the page (and even then, only barely). You start having actual people speaking it, and it is enough to make your ears bleed. The new dialogue that gets written for the story isn't particularly impressive either.

The "MTV" editing is everywhere in this film. And it's unfortunate, since its overuse really steals away any sense of grandeur or "class" to this film. It cheapens it. In a few instances, it works great (mainly in the battle moments). But in others, not so much.

Snyder has made some bizzare choices in adapting this story. Why does the Persian army seem to be made mostly of orc-like monsters? No such monsters were in Miller's novel, so why are they here? They don't add anything, and come across as more silly than anything. And what the hell is up with that anthropomorphic goat?

The additional material that was crafted for the film (Queen Gorgo's subplot), is often boring. It's frankly just dull council-room nonsense with uninteresting characters. 300 is riding entirely on the momentum of the battle. When we cut away, back to Sparta, we're just biding our time until the battle picks up again.

But this film's biggest problems are with its themes. It asks us to buy into the Spartan ideals of glory, to grow to love the Spartans, to buy into their fight for freedom against tyrrany. The problem is that the Spartans aren't all that great. One of the earliest moments in the film is the baby skeleton graveyard where the remains of their discarded "imperfect" children lie. That's just barbaric and unforgiveable. The Spartan society is frankly not worthy of loving - it's a brutal society with some horrifying practices and misguided ideals.

Your review sucked, seemed like this movie was a little too harsh for you sensitive ass. I know women who are harder than you. Try looking at it from an entertainment side of view. How many people you know that survive in the freezing woods with a stick in hand and his boxer, dude its for entertainment purposese only. You have offended me, and you have offended my family, now you must pay.

 

[PrivateEye]

ok, sorry to get back into the whole gay subtext thing again, but i just read through quite possibly some of the stupidest posts ive seen in some time. to anyone that thinks this movie is only about whats on screen must know jack about movies. but i suppose that star wars is only about some farm boy, or the wizard of oz is about some guy full of hot air.

the sword/penetration/penis metaphor is hardly new. and hardly subtle.

I don't know why people think that movies always need some type of subtext or hidden meaning. In fact, most movies don't have any hidden meanings.
Do you look at movies like the Ring or that movie where a girl is babysitting and the killer is inside of the house have some type of message...no, they are nothing but sheer entertainment, albeit that they don't even succeed in doing that.
As for you reading "some of the stupidest posts", why can't people come on here and just say something stupid? I can write something ridiculous on here to make others laugh, why does everything need a point or a "why"?
It's a movie about 300 guys who kill monsters.

 

[PrivateEye]

ok, sorry to get back into the whole gay subtext thing again, but i just read through quite possibly some of the stupidest posts ive seen in some time. to anyone that thinks this movie is only about whats on screen must know jack about movies. but i suppose that star wars is only about some farm boy, or the wizard of oz is about some guy full of hot air.

the sword/penetration/penis metaphor is hardly new. and hardly subtle.

I don't know why people think that movies always need some type of subtext or hidden meaning. In fact, most movies don't have any hidden meanings.
Do you look at movies like the Ring or that movie where a girl is babysitting and the killer is inside of the house have some type of message...no, they are nothing but sheer entertainment, albeit that they don't even succeed in doing that.
As for you reading "some of the stupidest posts", why can't people come on here and just say something stupid? I can write something ridiculous on here to make others laugh, why does everything need a point or a "why"?
It's a movie about 300 guys who kill monsters.

 

[pickleweed]

I don't know why people think that movies always need some type of subtext or hidden meaning. In fact, most movies don't have any hidden meanings.
Do you look at movies like the Ring or that movie where a girl is babysitting and the killer is inside of the house have some type of message...no, they are nothing but sheer entertainment, albeit that they don't even succeed in doing that.
As for you reading "some of the stupidest posts", why can't people come on here and just say something stupid? I can write something ridiculous on here to make others laugh, why does everything need a point or a "why"?
It's a movie about 300 guys who kill monsters.

we dont need subtext or hidden meaning, but they are there regardless. it wasnt my movie to do away with it. hell, babe 2: pig in the city had it, and that was a black hole of a movie. the subtext here was pretty pronounced, and if you want to ignore it, fine. but to deny it is ignorant. period. thats like saying animal farm is just a book about pigs.

and obviously people have no problem saying stupid things. they've done it 11 pages deep so far. but again, call a spade a spade. if its stupid, ITS STUPID. nuthin wrong with it.

and finally, everything needs a why because everything HAS a why...

 

[PrivateEye]

we dont need subtext or hidden meaning, but they are there regardless. it wasnt my movie to do away with it. hell, babe 2: pig in the city had it, and that was a black hole of a movie. the subtext here was pretty pronounced, and if you want to ignore it, fine. but to deny it is ignorant. period. thats like saying animal farm is just a book about pigs.

and obviously people have no problem saying stupid things. they've done it 11 pages deep so far. but again, call a spade a spade. if its stupid, ITS STUPID. nuthin wrong with it.

and finally, everything needs a why because everything HAS a why...

I was watching something today that strikes true now, and it was just saying that somethings are ridiculous, why look for a reason for them to be that way. This is a conversation that could go on for a while, but I'm not saying that Leonidas didn't want to stick his sword into other men or that great pieces of literature are just about the things that they appear to be about.
All I'm saying is that there have been things made with no intent other than to entertain others.

 

[I_Hate_U_All]

Masterpiece.

This is madness.

 

[Kent]

This is madness.

Madness?

THIS IS SPARTA!!

 

[GSFOR]

Well I have a tale that I wish dillios would tell for me. As we Spartans are decended from hercules himself. As I woke up this morning I saw that my moue trap had caught a mouse . Before I go any further I think I need to state how much I hate, loath these mice. I've often time been frozen in fear as they stare at me, eating ,chewing, squeaking, as if to mock me and say what kind of a man you are. I've caught them in traps, but I've never wanted to touch nor look at the trap.My queen gorgo always rids me of these demon. Monstrous little things, running across my feet. Makin me jump like a *****. So many time have I been mad at myself. So I went to home depot brought me an electronic mouse catcher. As the mouse enter, the trap will send upwards of 5 million volts into their body.however it only needs 4AA bateries. When dealing with such vile adversary, you need inhumane tactics. So I woke up this morning, the trap was blinking, meaning I had caught one of these demon of the sewer. So I told my queen to rid me of this evilness. She started laughing at me, as if to say I am less than a men. That's when I go upset. I said I have the spirit of the three hundred spartan, and I will go to the "hot gate/ mouse trap" she laughed,ha ha ha ha. As I put on my spartan uniform, shoes ,pants, and a shirt,oh and sock on my hands to protect me from this monster. I said hold on, as she watched me , thinking I was just talking smack. I kindly turned the computer on. went to the 300 movies homepage, and put on the first theatrical trailer.the teaser, as it played I ripped of the socks off my hands. I then open the lid to the hot gate, it's as if I felt a chill come over me. I heard the 300 spartan behind "hoooo" I opened it, and dumped it in a box of cereal sending this unearthly creature back to hell. At the end where Leonidas says," the world will know that few stood against, you guys know the rest" I repeated "before this day has ended, the world will know that GSFOR, face and conquered a monster, and all will know that he is no longer afraid. Becuase this is spartaaaa.Tell me of you spartan like tales.

 

[SamuraiSon6]

haha, thats a really funny story, i love that you had to put the music on to do it!

300, making real life so much more manly

 

[anela]

*cough* heracles *cough* the thrill of battle still courses through your veins, gsfor, have you forgotten you're a greek and not a roman?

 

[ゴジラ]

Well I have a tale that I wish dillios would tell for me. As we Spartans are decended from hercules himself. As I woke up this morning I saw that my moue trap had caught a mouse . Before I go any further I think I need to state how much I hate, loath these mice. I've often time been frozen in fear as they stare at me, eating ,chewing, squeaking, as if to mock me and say what kind of a man you are. I've caught them in traps, but I've never wanted to touch nor look at the trap.My queen gorgo always rids me of these demon. Monstrous little things, running across my feet. Makin me jump like a *****. So many time have I been mad at myself. So I went to home depot brought me an electronic mouse catcher. As the mouse enter, the trap will send upwards of 5 million volts into their body.however it only needs 4AA bateries. When dealing with such vile adversary, you need inhumane tactics. So I woke up this morning, the trap was blinking, meaning I had caught one of these demon of the sewer. So I told my queen to rid me of this evilness. She started laughing at me, as if to say I am less than a men. That's when I go upset. I said I have the spirit of the three hundred spartan, and I will go to the "hot gate/ mouse trap" she laughed,ha ha ha ha. As I put on my spartan uniform, shoes ,pants, and a shirt,oh and sock on my hands to protect me from this monster. I said hold on, as she watched me , thinking I was just talking smack. I kindly turned the computer on. went to the 300 movies homepage, and put on the first theatrical trailer.the teaser, as it played I ripped of the socks off my hands. I then open the lid to the hot gate, it's as if I felt a chill come over me. I heard the 300 spartan behind "hoooo" I opened it, and dumped it in a box of cereal sending this unearthly creature back to hell. At the end where Leonidas says," the world will know that few stood against, you guys know the rest" I repeated "before this day has ended, the world will know that GSFOR, face and conquered a monster, and all will know that he is no longer afraid. Becuase this is spartaaaa.Tell me of you spartan like tales.

Quite an amazing story of over coming your fears.Leonidas would be proud.

 

[GSFOR]

I am a hero in this house, I have many more battles to face. I will be victorious. It was a rush story so I could not really make you understand how really evil these things are.

 

[chesslover]

Apparently my town isn't getting the movie. That settles it. I'm done going there. Looks like it's dvd's for me. Take it sleazy everybody

 

[ゴジラ]

You should go over to another town and see the masterpiece that is 300.

 

[PrivateEye]

You should go over to another town and see the masterpiece that is 300.

I'd march to Persia to watch this damn movie!

 

[ゴジラ]

I'd march to Persia to watch this damn movie!

I would march to Persia,destroy the Persian Army and then build a theater out of their bones.

 

[GSFOR]

I would march to Persia,destroy the Persian Army and then build a theater out of their bones.

*lol* HEY KID YOU GOT A LOT OF ISSUES. You should tone down on the testoterone. Looks like you are amp all day, everyday. I'm still waiting on another one of your reviews.

 

[brian48]

Well I have a tale that I wish dillios would tell for me. As we Spartans are decended from hercules himself. As I woke up this morning I saw that my moue trap had caught a mouse . Before I go any further I think I need to state how much I hate, loath these mice. I've often time been frozen in fear as they stare at me, eating ,chewing, squeaking, as if to mock me and say what kind of a man you are. I've caught them in traps, but I've never wanted to touch nor look at the trap.My queen gorgo always rids me of these demon. Monstrous little things, running across my feet. Makin me jump like a *****. So many time have I been mad at myself. So I went to home depot brought me an electronic mouse catcher. As the mouse enter, the trap will send upwards of 5 million volts into their body.however it only needs 4AA bateries. When dealing with such vile adversary, you need inhumane tactics. So I woke up this morning, the trap was blinking, meaning I had caught one of these demon of the sewer. So I told my queen to rid me of this evilness. She started laughing at me, as if to say I am less than a men. That's when I go upset. I said I have the spirit of the three hundred spartan, and I will go to the "hot gate/ mouse trap" she laughed,ha ha ha ha. As I put on my spartan uniform, shoes ,pants, and a shirt,oh and sock on my hands to protect me from this monster. I said hold on, as she watched me , thinking I was just talking smack. I kindly turned the computer on. went to the 300 movies homepage, and put on the first theatrical trailer.the teaser, as it played I ripped of the socks off my hands. I then open the lid to the hot gate, it's as if I felt a chill come over me. I heard the 300 spartan behind "hoooo" I opened it, and dumped it in a box of cereal sending this unearthly creature back to hell. At the end where Leonidas says," the world will know that few stood against, you guys know the rest" I repeated "before this day has ended, the world will know that GSFOR, face and conquered a monster, and all will know that he is no longer afraid. Becuase this is spartaaaa.Tell me of you spartan like tales.

LOL. I just use the sticky traps and if one gets caught in it, I blow their brains out with a BB gun.

 

[ゴジラ]

*lol* HEY KID YOU GOT A LOT OF ISSUES. You should tone down on the testoterone. Looks like you are amp all day, everyday. I'm still waiting on another one of your reviews.

Next time I see a movie...old or new i'll make a review of it,and the ones that follow.

 

[Mr. Socko]

ROFLMFAO @ the guy who's stupid list said that Matrix Revolutions, Blade, and Punisher were better than 300!!!

 

[Agentsands77]

ROFLMFAO @ the guy who's stupid list said that Matrix Revolutions, Blade, and Punisher were better than 300!!!

Well, 300 was certainly better than those films, but I'm not sure by how much. In the end, it was remarkably uneven.

 

[Sandman138]

It's a great movie, for what it is: an action movie that makes no apologies for itself. When it tries to be more than that, it falls flat, and if you want more out of it than a lot of machismo and some very sculpted abs (swoon) then you shall be disappointed.

 

[Infinity9999x]

It's a great movie, for what it is: an action movie that makes no apologies for itself. When it tries to be more than that, it falls flat, and if you want more out of it than a lot of machismo and some very sculpted abs (swoon) then you shall be disappointed.

That pretty much hits the nail on the head. 300 was a very good action movie, and that's about it. But it never presented itself otherwise either. If people went to the movie expecting something epic along the LOTR scale, then I'm fairly surprised. From all the ads you could tell they were selling themselves on action, and it worked.

One thing 300 did do for me though, was made me wonder what the real battle must have been like. When I see one man taking down ten guys in the movies today I usually go "oh that's cool, but it could never happen." But in the real historical event, men where doing that. Probably not the way they were in 300, but those men where still able to defeat many men at a time. Someone should invent a time machine then go back and tape it.

 

[Agentsands77]

300 was a very good action movie, and that's about it.

From the way some people in this thread have been praising it, you'd think otherwise.

But even as an action film, I'm not quite so sure it was that fantastic. Sure, there were moments of awesomeness (though it's not really anything we haven't seen before), but I'm not sure the battle scenes can make up for the other cinematic sins this film commits.

Just because a film is made to entertain doesn't mean it only needs to have a cool battle scene here and there, and then the rest of the movie doesn't matter. In fact, what makes a great action film is when the context of the action is just as good as the action itself.

 

[Infinity9999x]

From the way some people in this thread have been praising it, you'd think otherwise.

But even as an action film, I'm not quite so sure it was that fantastic. Sure, there were moments of awesomeness (though it's not really anything we haven't seen before), but I'm not sure the battle scenes can make up for the other cinematic sins this film commits.

Just because a film is made to entertain doesn't mean it only needs to have a cool battle scene here and there, and then the rest of the movie doesn't matter. In fact, what makes a great action film is when the context of the action is just as good as the action itself.

That is a good point. Some people were trying to compare 300 to Gladiator, and I was astounded at that. 300's storyline left much to be desired, it really was more a movie of cool moments then an actual story.

Still, it was better then Ghost Rider. 300 was what I expected Ghost Rider to be, a movie that had a "Meh" storyline with kickass visuals. It's too bad Ghost Rider didn't deliver, I probably would have liked that better had it had more spectacular fights.