I can’t say I went into 300: Rise of an Empire with the greatest of expectations. Any idea of a follow-up to Zack Snyder’s visionary 2007 swords-and-sandals adaptation of Frank Miller’s graphic novel 300 simply seemed unnecessary. I felt we left things on a fairly satisfying narrative note. Additionally, the stylized look of 300 has been so plundered time and again (but never equaled) by pale imitators over the years that a new chapter would lack the visual punch of the original’s groundbreaking experience. But I’m happy to say I was completely off the mark with my presumption regarding Empire, which without question earns its rightful place as a worthy companion piece to its predecessor.
Based on Frank Miller’s graphic novel Xerxes, the film is not a direct continuation to 300, but rather a ‘side-sequel.’ Set before, during and after Sparta’s last stand led by King Leonidas, this war is a violent hard fought maritime battle of blood and wits between Sullivan Stapleton’s heroic Athenian, General Themistokles, and Eva Green’s snarling war witch naval commander Artemisia.
Following a brief recap from Queen Gorgo (Lena Headey, reprising her role) that the threat of Xerxes is still upon Greece’s fighting forces,which remain split between cities. Themistokles attempts to unite the lands with Sparta to no avail, and goes after Artemisia’s navy while Leonidas takes his 300 warriors and their abs to dine in Hell and ultimately meet their doom. Through the film’s non-linear narrative, we also witness the transformation of Xerxes (Rodrigo Santoro) into a man-turned-God, and in-between scenes that take place during 300. Gerard Butler also appears briefly, but only via re-used footage (you can’t ask someone to work out that hard for a few short walk-ons).
Helmed by Naom Murro, Rise of an Empire is not out to change the game, it adheres to the 300 formula in a way that will please fans, but wisely switches the battle field predominantly to the Aegean Sea which offers different rules of engagement and the welcome opportunity to explore a different pallet of visual FX eye candy. Ships crumble, cities burn, and the big screen death toll swells via swords, arrows, axes and gallons of CGI blood. Sndyer was more proficient with well coordinated shots of pure artsy flare, but Empire in no way lacks an abundance of the kind of ultra violent kick ass action sequences the series can now with confidence call its own.
The film’s leads in Stapleton and Green are an enormous plus. Stapleton has the thankless job of following Gerard Butler’s charismatic turn as Leonidas, but manages to make Themistokles a memorable, likable and brilliant warrior with few macho pep talks to the troops thrown in for good measure. But it’s Eva Green who completely steals the film in a show stopping performance as Xerxes’ second in command, Artemisia. The Persian one-woman-army is a stunning cunning war queen with a cold but overwhelming sultry presence. Born in Greece, her loyalties turned the tide as a child after her family was murdered by marauding Greek soldiers and subsequently forced into years of brutal slavery in the bowels of a ship.
Green takes this vengeful role by the horns and uses the opportunity to step above and stomp upon every testosterone fueled scene she’s in. Not only is Artemesia man’s worst nightmare in battle, she is equally sinister when seducing sworn enemies on neutral ground (you’ll know what I mean when you see the film). Green is no stranger to screen cred in the genre, with roles in Casino Royale, Starz’ Camelot, Tim Burton’s Dark Shadows reboot (and Showtime’s upcoming horror Penny Dreadful), but if you haven’t managed to really take notice yet, this is about to change.
I caught the film is full IMAX 3D and was very impressed. I am not an easily pleased with 3D anymore and am a huge stickler for grainy IMAX blowups. But the 300 aesthetic heavily lends itself to the immersive format and enhances the visual experience. The 3D is effective where it counts in action scenes, plus whether it be a constant layer of subtle floating dust or embers of fire, pounding pouring rain or spurting blood, there is rarely a frame that doesn’t take advantage of the extra layer. There is a particularly dizzying scene with Xerxes looking down at his army while perched high above that could easily invite symptoms of vertigo for some. The R rating is also well earned, though fans should expected and not be off put by the graphic depictions of violence and sex.
There was a time, way back when being early 2007, when 300‘s bleached earth tone hues and extensive use of virtual CGI sets were groundbreaking. Many inferior films have simply tried to duplicate the 300 experience with far less success than Snyder’s surprise hit that made March a new nesting ground for potential box office heavyweights. 2004’s vastly under appreciated Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow was so ahead of its time, and pioneered the way for this virtual environment genre. It’s good to see Rise of an Empire is another entry that upholds a standard set by the notable films that preceded it.
The team here managed to turn out a solid action packed crowd pleaser when a worthy sequel seemed a long shot at best. With the strength of the leads, dazzling digital wow factor visuals and a solid script, round two of Team Greece versus Team Persia is a must see for 300 fans. Eva Green, who unexpectedly takes charge of the film with her fierce and possessed performance, is reason enough for the price of admission. I also recommend going big, as in full IMAX big to see it. Rise of an Empire unquestionably adds layers to the 300 mythos and in no way should be approached like another casualty in the long line of pointless re-treads on hallowed ground.
300: Rise of an Empire opens in 2D, 3D and IMAX 3D on March 7th.
REVIEW RATING: ★★★★★
Director: Naom Murro
Starring: Sullivan Stapleton, Eva Green, Rodrigo Santoro, Lena Headey, Jack O’Connell
Screenwriters: Zack Snyder and Kurt Johnstad
Studio: Warner Bros. and Legendary Pictures
Rated: R
Running Time: 102 minutes
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