300: A Repeat

Movie Review: 300: Rise of an Empire

It's a prequel and a sequel...What do you even call that? A Quel?

Saying that 300: Rise of the Empire has the same appeal as its predecessor is both a good thing and bad thing. It's a bad thing because there really wasn't anything new here compared to 300. (Except maybe for the most kick-ass female lead) But on the other hand, it also just means that it was as good as 300! If you've got a taste for heavily stylish carnage and an unpretentious plot, then you'll love this quel! 

In short, if you loved the first film, then you'll love this one too!

Good guy Themistokles and ninja spinning Athenian, Calisto.

Queen Gorgo shines at the eleventh hour, while Artemisia is consistently amazing.   

That's basically the bottomline, but to elaborate, here are what I found to be appealing about the movie:

• It has (as expected) the most epic of war sequences, accentuated by its distinct visual imagery, unrelenting gore, precision choreography, and the slow mo effect that's used in great effect.
• Just like in its predecessor, and movies like Ender's Game, this movie depicted classic military warfare strategies in a simple, engaging but comprehensible fashion.
• Its plot was uncomplicated. Persians are invading Greece, and Athenians are fighting for its freedom. But I find its simplicity to be a pro rather than a con. It's really the art and warfare that made this franchise famous.
• Its distinct visual style extends to its massive set pieces and aesthetic landscape shots. Watching this movie was like watching layers upon layers of striking instagram pictures. 
• The production design has so much attention to detail, like how they made Athenians less abs-y to show the contrast between them and the Spartans. This supported the integral notion that Athenians were the more diplomatic ones versus the war hungry Spartans.

•  ...Eva Green and Lena Headey kicking butt!!! Eva Green's psychotic swagger made her all the more alluring.

 

Eva Green: Stealing the show and killing good guys.

 

It's admittedly a small step down from the original, but it's not at all bad. And for the many times I cringed, and the added testosterone I got from watching this movie, I give it a....

MICMIC RATING: 7.5/10

PS. I HATE those goddamn cuts! Stupid Filipino cinema censoring.