Movie #46 - 300

"Prepare for glory!"

Sounds like a Rickard's Red tagline doesn't it? Anyhow... one of the best films of 2006 and definitely full of action, suspense, drama, and of course, my favourite reason - Lena Headey.

This film represents the breakthrough role for Gerard Butler, who is making a name for himself as a strong leading actor. His portrayal of King Leonidas and his efforts to make himself look and sound like a true warrior are commendable, but I question some of his role choices in recent years... they're somewhat confusing. From 300 to Phantom of the Opera, Lara Croft, Beowulf, and the upcoming Untouchables film to P.S. I Love You. One has to ask Mr. Butler to please make up his mind... he's either setting himself up to be the next Russell Crowe or Mel Gibson or he can settle to be the next Hugh Grant.

What makes this film great is Lena Headey. Not only is she currently starring as one of the hottest renditions of Sarah Connor on television's Terminator: Sarah Connor Chronicles, but her achievement as the queen of Sparta is superb. You truly believe that she is in fact a royal queen as she commands respect, is powerful in her speech and candor, and her eyes say it all.

What makes me laugh in this film... both the casting of David Wenham (Dilios) and Dominic West (Theron). First with Wenham, we might remember him from his Faramir character of the Lord of the Rings trilogy, but Wenham is a great story-teller in this film and serves as the narrator of this adaptation of the Frank Miller graphic novel. Wenham is over the top dramatic in his narration and his acting on screen, which strengthens the movie but also makes you laugh. With West, local Greater Toronto Area people might find a resemblance of Darcy Tucker in his make up, height, and appearance. I just couldn't get over the uncanny resemblance, which I found comical every time he stepped on screen.

Overall, this movie marks the universal acceptance of Frank Miller's stories and adaptations of film. It started with Sin City, but it will swiftly move forward with more films of his characters and his comic book creations. I have even heard that he is directing some films in the future... hopefully, he will break the stylistic methods he is using now and shoot a more traditional film. You can only take so much comic-esque screen shots.