300: Rise of an Empire (6/25/2014)

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

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

Directed by Noam Murro (Smart People)

Just as violent as 300, but without the depth of the story or Gerard Butler.

Based on Frank Miller’s latest graphic novel Xerxes and told in the breathtaking visual style of the blockbuster 300, this new chapter of the epic saga takes the action to a fresh battlefield–on the sea–as Greek general Themistokles (Sullivan Stapleton) attempts to unite all of Greece by leading the charge that will change the course of the war. 300: Rise of an Empire pits Themistokles against the massive invading Persian forces led by mortal-turned-god Xerxes (Rodrigo Santoro), and Artemesia (Eva Green), vengeful commander of the Persian navy.

I felt like I was in the minority when in 2006 I said I liked 300. I know there was sex, nudity and a lot of violence, but visually it was amazing. Eight years later I was very excited walking into the theater to see 300: Rise of an Empire. But I should have known better. I should have realized it was too little, too late.

Within the first minutes of the film, Leana Headey’s Queen Gorgo explains the setting and where this story is compared to 300. Also within those first few minutes we see beheadings, naked breasts and a lot of blood – a precursor to the rest of the film.

There is nothing wrong with the story that inspired the film, the problem is
Noam Murro doesn’t yet know how to deliver like Zach Snyder. As a result the film plays out like a series of violent paintings: still and lifeless…and very bloody. Every time one solider kills another, there’s a slow-motion 3D blood-spurt that plays like an over-used, unnecessary exclamation mark on the scene.

The story of the Spartans at Thermopylae is a tale of blood and bravery that will never be forgotten; this film, is a tale of blood, blood and more blood and is completely forgettable. I say “Skip it.”

SHOULD KIDS SEE IT?
Like the first 300 film, there is plenty of bloody war violence throughout. There are a couple of sex/rape scenes that are fairly graphic. There are 2 F-words and 3 other mild obscenities, so I would keep kids away from this one.

CONVERSATION STARTER:

1. What are some words you would use to describe the Greek army?


2. What were some examples of courage that they displayed?


3. When was the last time you needed courage?


4. Read Joshua 1:9
   
   This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.


5. What are some differences between this kind of courage and the courage displayed in the film?


6. What is going on in your life right now that is causing you to need courage?