300

Honor. Glory. Duty. History. Gore... and Goat-headed Minstrels.

Of the 22 films on my 2007 (potential) blockbusters list, I've now seen three - and have decided not to see at least one of them (Smokin' Aces got Gigli-like reviews): Blood Diamond, a rousing and well-made film about the conflict diamond situation in Africa, Rocky Balboa, a touching tribute and fitting farewell to our favorite palooka, and now...

300, the latest adaptation of graphic novelist Frank Miller's creation based on the legendary Battle of Thermopylae. Championed by its makers as "Gladiator meets Sin City," the cinematic rendition of 300 is ferociously loyal to its bronze-and-crimson-colored graphic predecessor.
As Persian emperor Xerxes descends on Greece in 480 BC, the Spartan king Leonidas (played by Glasgow's own Gerard Butler), musters his army of 300, forbidden by custom and religion,
to Thermopylae to defend the "Hot Gates" against the vast invading force.

This opulent, brutal and bloody declaration of discipline and belligerence may be far removed from the reality of the actual battle (although some historians number the invading force at 1 million, others claim that the Persian army consisted of no more than 200,000), Leonidas and company did face laughably overwhelming odds. 300 recounts the country's finest hour. Spartans have long been heralded as the fiercest warriors the world has ever known, but it was at Thermopylae that they earned their eternal glory.

Cinematically, the film vacillates back and forth between classic Greek mythology and MTV's Headbangers Ball, complete with heavy metal accompaniment. Essential to the character's portrayal, Butler is convincing as a formidable leader of men, barking orders, smack-talking, inspiring confidence, leading from the front, and laying waste to several battalions' worth of the enemy. Leonidas - imperial, defiant, and lethal when provoked - may not be complicated, but Butler has every bit the conviction and charisma of [Gladiator's] Maximus Aurelius.

With all of its testosterone and bravado, director Zack Snyder does inject a little oestrogen by way of Queen Gorgo (Lena Headey). Although only glimpsed in Miller's graphic novel, Snyder extends her character in the film's rendition - never more so than in her heartfelt speech to the Spartan assembly (I'm told that theaters in the U.S. cheered at her slaying of antagonist, Theron).

Nothing is more epic nor inspiring than the tradition of the defiant David standing up to the all-powerful Goliath - Homer knew it (The Iliad); Leonidas knew it; Frank Miller knew it; and after watching 300, you'll know it too. You may not have the opportunity to truly connect with or care deeply for the noble warriors that lose their lives in this celebrated battle, but you'll have one helluva good time watching one of the greatest stories ever told.

McRating: 9.0

Blood Diamond - 8.0
Rocky Balboa - 7.0

Who Cares???

This is not a profound post. This is not going to provoke much thought and will probably communicate that I care more about this than I actually do, but as my wife was in hospital this past week after giving birth to our second child, I showed up with a new women's magazine almost every time I visited - Elle, Vogue, Marie Claire, etc.
As I glanced through the magazines during my visits, almost every feature I came across prompted two words: WHO CARES?

For the life of me I can't figure out why anyone still cares about:

• Paris Hilton
• Lindsay Lohan
• My Super Sweet 16
• Nicole Ritchie
• Britney & K-Fed
• Britney's Shaved Dome
• Britney's Addictions
• Posh in LA
• Tom Cruise/Scientology
  

Why does society care so much about people who contribute so little to it? In the arenas of talent, benevolence, character and intelligence, these celebrities/personalities are completely absent.

I'm not about to soapbox about what society should be caring about (Iran, poverty, the environment, the Final Four). I'm simply saying that I can't figure out why people care so much about young Hollywood's casualties.

Did you know that Burma has unveiled its new capital? Did you know that research shows that aspirin aids women's hearts? Did you know that scientists have discovered ways of tracking the rise and fall of ancient civilizations (such as the Incas) by studying fossilized mites that thrive in the dung of their livestock?

Aren't those things so much more interesting that watching a couple of self-indulgent miscreants humiliate and insult middle-class families? Aren't they more interesting than a deranged pop princess shaving her head in a tattoo parlor and checking in to a detox clinic? Aren't they more interesting than watching a 16-year-old plan for her birthday spectacular while assuming adulation and privileged treatment are a right, while reacting to criticism or inconvenience with petulance and acrimony?
Heck! Kobe Bryant has scored 263 points over his last five games, demonstrating unbelievable skill, talent and entertainment. That deserves infinitely more press than all of this other crap, right?

Think about it.

The End