Sullivan Stapleton
Eva Green
Lena Headey
Hans Matheson
David Wenham
Rodrigo Santoro

Zack Snyder
Kurt Johnstad

102 mins.
Action, Drama, Fantasy, War
March 7, 2014

Rated R for strong sustained sequences of stylized bloody violence throughout, a sex scene, nudity and some language. (MPAA)

“300: Rise of an Empire” is both an origin story and what starts as a parallel story to the first film in the franchise. It has the same look as the original, and that’s the real reason to see this (and the original). That look is a combination of comic book aesthetics and effects that were originated in “The Matrix.” It looks great. If you want to see brutal violence made beautiful, look no further.

As for the writing, origin stories always generate some interest, because humans are drawn to the beginnings of things. It’s mildly interesting to witness the events that led up to the main action in this film and “300” itself. Again, mildly interesting. The parallel story line, which continues beyond the events of “300,” is less successful. Instead of battle on land, we see battle at sea, for the most part. Instead of watching King Leonidas and his band of 300, we watch Athenian General Themistokles defend Greece against Persia – that is, against Persia’s most devastating naval commander, Artemisia, a Greek herself.

Eva Green, as Artemisia, does what she normally does as an actress: bring mystery, seduction, danger, and tons of crazy to her character. She is the most interesting part of this film, yet somehow, I think that she could have delved deeper. (The answer lies in the voice, more on that later.) She’s certainly not afraid to go there, though. It’s nice to see a woman in this kind of role, but that choice isn’t as potent as it could have been. Likewise, Lena Headey plays Queen Gorgo of Sparta, wife of King Leonidas. While she doesn’t make much of an impression, I didn’t mind her voice-over work.

The problem is that there isn’t enough commitment from the actors to the actual lines. (Lead actor Sullivan Stapleton, who plays Themistokles, is the worst offender.) Regardless of how expert the writing is – it’s not much better than what you would find in an episode of Starz’s “Spartacus” – this style requires unwavering commitment to the material. You have to approach this in the same way that you would approach a Shakespearean tragedy. Overall, the voices just don’t cut it; they’re weak and mostly flavorless. (Green does the best job, but even she could have provided greater vocal richness.)

Things are taken very seriously in this film, yet not seriously enough. I think that a little wink here or there may have worked better. Where’s the fun? At least, it doesn’t last too long.

Verdict: OK

About: (Source: 300themovie.com)

“300: Rise of an Empire,” told in the breathtaking visual style of the blockbuster “300,” is a new chapter of the epic saga, which takes the action to a new battlefield—the sea.

The story pits the Greek general Themistokles against the massive invading Persian forces, ruled by the mortal-turned-god Xerxes, and led by Artemisia, the vengeful commander of the Persian navy.

Knowing his only hope of defeating the overwhelming Persian armada will be to unite all of Greece, Themistokles ultimately leads the charge that will change the course of the war.

Warner Bros. Pictures and Legendary Pictures present, a Cruel and Unusual Films/Mark Canton/Gianni Nunnari Production, “300: Rise of an Empire.” The action adventure stars Sullivan Stapleton (“Gangster Squad”) as Themistokles and Eva Green (“Dark Shadows,” “Casino Royale”) as Artemisia. Reprising their roles from “300,” Lena Headey stars as the Spartan Queen, Gorgo; David Denham appears as Dilios; Andrew Tiernan plays Ephialtes; Andrew Pleavin plays Daxos; and Rodrigo Santoro returns in the role of the Persian God-King, Xerxes. The main cast also includes Hans Matheson as Themistokles’ closest friend and advisor, Aeskylos; Callan Mulvey and Jack O’Connell as father and son soldiers, Scyllias and Calisto; and Igal Naor as the Persian King Darius.

The film was directed by Noam Murro, from a screenplay by Zack Snyder & Kurt Johnston, based on the graphic novel Xerxes, by Frank Miller. Gianni Nunnari, Mark Canton, Zack Snyder, Deborah Snyder and Bernie Goldmann produced the film, with Thomas Tull, Frank Miller, Stephen Jones, Craig J. Flores and Jon Jashni serving as executive producers.