3 Hunny

There are four major Comic Book movies that I can think of off the top of my head being released in theaters this year.  There are also peripheral ones based on independent books, but the notable ones are always the big summer blockbusters from the big two.  Already, we've had one in theaters that had a stellar two weeks at the box office, but was a major critical disappointment (can it be a disappointment when you didn't expect much to begin with?) and the next two are dead-center tentpole releases.  Before we get to these two, we have one heck of an appetizer in 300.

In need of an education?  300 is based on the five-issue miniseries (now graphic novel) written and drawn by the acclaimed Frank Miller.  Some see him as the American Alan Moore, but with his recently drubbed - or maybe misunderstood - work, that title is dubious.  In any sense, the series itself is based on one of Mr. Miller's most storied passions, the Battle of Thermopylae.  Legend has it that the king of the Spartans, Leonidas, when confronted with the ultimatum of the Persian King, Xerxes, stood fast and rebuffed his request for tribute and submission instead gathering 300 of his best soldiers for a last stand at the Spartan cliffs.  Inspired by Leonidas' sacrifice, all of Greece united to destroy the Persian army and end Xerxes bid for world domination.  While there is much embellishment and reference to the pagan gods of old, the book is awash in what is perhaps some of Mr. Miller's finest artwork.  In this, the movie remains very faithful.

In quality, the movie also remains ever-faithful.  Leaning upon the prior example of Robert Rodriguez' adaptation of Sin City, Zach Snyder uses the source material as an effective story board from scene to scene.  While the results are not surprisingly stunning, the amount of detail packed into each effect left myself, as a viewer, more than impressed.  While you can refer to that era as the Bronze Age, it is never more apparent than with the brownish-gold sheen coloring most, if not all, of the cinematography.  Sheer eye candy.

Acting-wise, you see the birth of a new star in Gerard Butler.  His performance alone tethers every one of his soldiers to their intensity.  As a centerpiece to an ensemble, you could do no worse, but when you have supporting roles featuring Dominic West and Rodrigo Santoro, you elevate a bit more.  Although a few have argued that you certainly might need a baguette to go with the ham, when the action is this big, you expect everyone to act as big.  All the testosterone in the world must have been splayed on the celluloid before printing, because this film's cast has plenty to spare.  One regret is, of course, the lack of female roles, but actress Lena Headey does what she can and considering this film is a sword-and-sandles war epic, that's saying quite a bit.

I'd say I've seen the first great movie of this year.  I wouldn't recommend it if you're averse to gore (there's plenty of it) but the thrilling action and innovative visuals will more than plant this movie square in the consciousness of the American public.

At least until Spider-Man 3 is released.

Overall Score:  4 out of 5 stars