'300' Have You Seen It?

[Debrasue]

That's funny ~Mel!!!! I did shout out "your damn right your not!" My mom almost fell out of her chair!!!! lol! And the HS boys sitting on the other side said "Cool!" I warned them before the movie started not to get alarmed if I get excited! Alright by them!

Debrasue

Edited March 11, 2007 by Debrasue

[Abrock]

Yay Debra!! I'm glad one of us actually did!! Ooooh, he made my blood boil...and NOT in a good way...

~Mel

[Guest greyeyegoddess]

Well, I'm baaack, from another screening. GADS, I need a life....LOL

That's ok. How many times do I get to have so much fun with some of the most wonderful people I know, completely entertained by some great performances?

While in line for the movie, the other movie goers talked about how Delios took charge at the end. The first time I saw the movie, I thought Leo's spirit had taken over Delios for the charge. I had to take a double take on that. The heart of the lion was in the hearts of the Grecian warriors.

Sure, it's not going to win an Oscar, but all those actors are Oscar worthy in whatever they do down the line.

I don't know about you, but after seeing it more times, I seem to cry more often. I was in tears by the end of the movie. GADS!

That movie does take a lot out of you.

~alice

[beggs909]

Met up with other St. Louis tarts for the first showing in the IMAX theater. We had planned our day carefully and bolted from the IMAX to race across town for the 4:05 pm showing at the MegaScreen. Stopped briefly for a quick lunch...and joined a sell out crowd to watch 300 for the second time. We agreed the MegaScreen was the absolute best viewing venue in our area...the sound was so crisp and even whispers were audible.

I loved the film...Gerry's performance was wonderful...he WAS King Leonidas. He commanded the part. After some of the negative reviews that focused on gratuitious violence, I was a little apprehensive to see the film. Thank goodness I didn't allow those pompous warts to persuade me to pass up 300. It was one of the most thrilling and touching film experiences I've had in a very long time. I roller-coasted through a wide range of emotions ultimately finding myself moved to tears at the end. WOW!! What more can anyone ask of a movie?

Congratulations to Zach, Frank Miller, and to all of the cast for bringing such a poignant and timely story to life. It was beautifully crafted and the CGI background quickly melded flawlessly with the characters and the story.

Gerry, you have given us another exceptional performance to ponder and enjoy. Now, reap the rewards of your dedication and perseverance. May you finally receive all of the recognition and respect that you so richly deserve.

Hugs...beggs909

Edited March 11, 2007 by beggs909

[Debrasue]

Maybe it's all that testosterone permeating the atmosphere that we're just not used to!! Definitely got my blood racing!!

Debrasue

Edited March 11, 2007 by Debrasue

[moonglow]

I gotta say every EVERY single time i've seen it people clap at certain areas and are like "whoa" at certain parts, but the TWO PARTS they always do...

When she says that only Spartan women give birth to real men.

and

When THERON GETS HIS!!! And EVEN THE GUYS CLAP AT THAT.

Now that scene was definitely another great one..I swear it must have been that testosterone because I'm a chick and I went I got out of there I swear I felt like I could take on an army..or at least think about it..and then let the Spartans do what they do best.

[Cassie]

Okay, I've seen this film 3 times now and I'm going back again tomorrow w/my hubby. At first I was a bit "eh" about it becuase I was spoiled w/the 2 showings on IMAX. But, I actually liked watching the film on the regular movie screen a bit better. First, the whole atmosphere is different in an IMAX screening. With both viewings I went to I felt like me and the other ladies I were with were the only ones over the age of 30. With the small screen the crowd was mixed w/young and older and were much better behaved.

I still tear up a bit when Astinos dies. I know it's coming but I just don't want it to happen. And this may sound a bit morbid but I like the last shot of Gerry and his men dead w/the arrows. As sad as it was it was also something beautiful about it. A sort of peace w/things even though nothing was solved,

Cassie

[Swansong]

Thought I'd post this here too... of course I COULD write a friggen book about my reaction to this film... but I kept it short!

I recall when Gerry was first attached to a film project called 300. Based on a graphic novel by Frank Miller, many of Gerry's fans debated whether a comic book movie was even worthy of our favorite actor. On other boards, fans openly expressed their dismay that Gerry would even consider such an unimportant project, and many of us had no prior exposure to graphic novels, and had no idea who Frank Miller was.

300 enthusiasts spoke up about their doubts that Mr Butler had what it would take to portray the Spartan king Leonidas, I mean after all, isn't this the same guy who played that limp wristed Phantom in the Schumaker box office bomb; the Phantom of the Opera, a corny musical that Butler botched with poor singing and overly dramatic acting? This is the guy who would play the brutal and powerful Leonidas?

Some months later, those same enthusiasts are undoubtedly eating their words. YES boys and girls, the same actor who portrayed the romantic and sexy Phantom (brilliantly in my opinion), now brilliantly wears the red Spartan cape of Leonidas in Zack Snyder's 300.

Let me first say, that I saw this film twice in one day. During the first viewing.... I sat with my mouth literally hanging open throughout the entire, just under 2 hour movie.

There is simply no way I could detach myself from my admiration and love for Gerard Butler, and so throughout that first viewing, I made an emotional investment in watching every move he made; hearing every word he uttered, and worshiping every subtle gesture of his body, and each lift of his darkened eyebrows. It isn't that I did not appreciate the rest of the film, it's that I didn't see it.

I couldn't.

There was our man on that screen in raw pulsating masculine glory, filling my eyes and heart to overflowing. Am I gushing? Oh please do forgive me... I cannot help myself. I never once took my eyes off him!

Later that evening, in my second viewing, I forced myself to take in the entire film; I paid attention to the performances of the other actors, and I became caught up in the very simple and timeless storyline. I am surprised at how truly simple the story of 300 is, and now having seen the film... I can see why there is a growing political backlash against it. This film speaks of causes worth fighting and dying for, and it makes no apologies, as our hero, Leonidas and his boys defend their wives, children, way of life and freedom, against a tyrant who seems bent on taking over the world.

The visual beauty of this film is something I have never before encountered. From scene to scene my senses were stirred by the ancient yet contemporary color wash of sepia, as if the landscapes themselves reflected the flesh and blood at this story's core. I found the CG backdrops beautiful and dreamlike, but they had the unexpected effect of making the whole film seem a bit closed in... a bit claustrophobic, which only served to focus my attention not on the scenery, but on the men and women who inhabited that surreal dreamscape.

I knew every minute I sat in my seat, that this was historical fantasy, and so I tried to just allow myself to be taken on that journey... not looking for reality.

The grainy "old" look of the film was captivating. I loved how it accentuated every freckle, every wrinkle and flaw on the actors skin. Again, this really served to drive home the fact that the humans are not computer generated actors, but very real flesh and blood people.

I found the portrayal of the Persian God-king Xerxes utterly arresting. He is characterized as a creature so drunk on his own self worship that he is more alien and circus freak-show than human. While many have commented on his effete mannerisms, I found him to be more Asexual... neither male nor female... and the scene where he is maimed and bleeds by the point of Leonidas spear is truly a great piece of acting by Rodrigo. I found Xerxes malicious and serpentine.... a myth-like villain right out of Homer's fantastic tales.

There were many scenes that left me breathless; the dance of the oracle, the naked beauty of Leonidas in the moonlight, the intimacy and sexual heat of Gorgo's bed; love and passion consummated in marital tenderness.

The gorgeous and shocking scene of Leonidas chopping and dodging his way through hundreds of men had me on the edge of my seat. The power and grace that appeared to rage in Gerard's body was a beautiful thing to watch.

I loved how the tempo sped up and slowed down, emphasizing what I think may be the unreal and bizarre world soldiers experience on the battlefield. I was drawn in by the action, but for me, it never detracted from the human story.

I did have trouble remembering the names of characters, and can't wait to watch the DVD with subtitles.

Personally... I wish they had added another 20 minutes or so to the film, in order to further flesh out the events leading up to the Persian invasion, and also to illuminate more of the relationship between Leonidas and his queen. I found their love for one another refreshing and even unusual in movies out of Hollywood. A man who remains faithful to his wife, and a wife who will do nearly anything in support of her husband and her country are rarely seen on the silver screen.

Lena Hedley was a proud and beautiful queen Gorgo, and am so thankful to Zack for filling out her character, and for giving her a more important role in this movie, than is portrayed in the graphic novel.

Gerry as the Lion hearted King was spectacular, powerful and unforgettable. As I have said many times, this man portrays more emotion with his eyes than many actors do with their entire body. I loved watching the thought processes of the King flick across his features, as Leonidas considered his options. With a quirk of his mouth, or a muscle jerk in his jaw, he made you see the intelligence of a great man, and you understood why his soldiers were willing to follow him to certain death.

I loved the humorous bits and found myself wondering if Gerry himself had interjected those rare moments of humor in this deadly serious drama. The bit with the apple was priceless... but also a wry commentary on the fact that even during the heat of battle and in the aftermath of death, life does go on all around us.

What can I say about that last scene where he calls out to his queen... His swansong... Just before he faced the barrage of arrows that would not only block out the sun, but snuff out his life. His face and voice conveyed a complex mixture of acceptance and sorrow, as he went to his death, having fulfilled his destiny, and having loved his wife deeply.

On the negative side; David Winam's vocal performance as narrator was not all it should have been. For me, his voice needed to be colored warmer... And instead, it came off as shrill, which by the end of the film, was distracting.

I am not a fan of fantastical creatures, such as the ones depicted in this film. I didn't care for them in LOTR... And I could have done without them in 300... But I understand that they exist to emphasize the Persian's supposed degenerate culture. Still... I think the film would have been better without those beasts. They were not convincing to me, and only jarred me away from the immediate story.

Over all though, 300 stunned me with its painterly beauty and throbbing passion. Gerry as Leonidas anchored the film and gave the work its much needed soul. It was far more than I expected... even after viewing all the trailers. It is a film I intend to see many more times before it leaves theaters.

Swannie

Edited March 11, 2007 by Swansong

[Ma Nature]

300 enthusiasts spoke up about their doubts that Mr Butler had what it would take to portray the Spartan king Leonidas, I mean after all, isn't this the same guy who played that limp wristed Phantom in the Schumaker box office bomb; the Phantom of the Opera, a corny musical that Butler botched with poor singing and overly dramatic acting? This is the guy who would play the brutal and powerful Leonidas?

Swannie

Lovely review, Swannie, and I agreed with most of what you said. I liked the monsters, myself, envisioning them as having grown through repeated tellings of the tale as Dilios went around Greece, spreading the word. And I liked David Wenham's voice, too...charming accent. But those are small differences, overall. In the general scheme of things, I think you have the rights of it, for sure.

I MUST say, however, had ANY detractor ever said the words "limp-wristed," "corny musical," "Butler botched," and "overly dramatic acting," regarding POTO to MY face...well, I'm afraid I would have gone all GORGO on them with any sharp implement I could lay my hands on! GAH!!! In my eyes, there will never be anything as glorious as the Phantom, and I do mean the Phantom as portrayed by Gerry. No one would DARE make disparaging comments like those around me. It makes my blood boil to think about it.

*going off now to dream up fiendish ways to punish anyone who would be so foolish as to utter those phrases in my presence*

Hugs,

Marcia

[discoveringme]

*snort* Gone all Gorgo. Love it Marcia! I'm remembering that one!!

Excellent review, Swannie. You have an amazing way with words. I'm still basking in the afterglow of seeing it and am hoping I can talk my hubby into going with me either tonight or tomorrow. (He hasn't seen it yet. ) After that, the IMAX experience is on the list for me!

[Ma Nature]

*snort* Gone all Gorgo. Love it Marcia! I'm remembering that one!!

Excellent review, Swannie. You have an amazing way with words. I'm still basking in the afterglow of seeing it and am hoping I can talk my hubby into going with me either tonight or tomorrow. (He hasn't seen it yet. ) After that, the IMAX experience is on the list for me!

Thank you, Jill! I have to admit, I chuckled to myself, thinking that from now on, when I'm describing any woman done wrong who finally gets her revenge, I'm going to call it "going Gorgo!" Glad you liked it, too.

Ah, this movie! It's so awe-inspiring. Hey, do you know how I can get the Orlando Sentinel review published here on the site? Do I just need to go ahead & scan it, and include it here?

Hugs,

Marcia

[Lady Yvonne]

On March 9th, at 11:00 am, I left the house heading towards downtown Huntington. My goal was to be the first to buy a ticket to see "300."since I think, from the time I have been in the GALS Fan Club, I am the only one from West Virginia. I am sure that will change now, if this is so.

The movie started at 12:30 pm on a Friday, a work day. I did not think I would have to wait in line but was not sure. I just wanted to go, get my snacks, settle down in a comfortable seat and forget about everything else and enjoy. I had looked forward to this movie for so long.

I have the first ticket stub that was purchased for "300," probably in WV. No one here seems to know who Gerry Butler is. Even the girls at Blockbusters where I rented his movies. They will now. His name was not even on their rolodex. This really ticked me off. I'll bet it will be next week.

I sat in the theatre for 45 minutes, by myself, waiting for this movie to start. I wanted to see it alone. I wanted to be left alone. I wanted to concentrate on "The Man." I came home a happy camper.

Just before the movie started the folks started to pour in. I was surprised because it was the middle of the day, a work day. I knew that night would be a nightmare trying to get in. They had three theatres for "300."

Please understand, I had never seen Gerry on a movie screen, only on DVD's or CD's. I had never seen him on live TV in an actual inteview, until his interview on the Leno Show. All of this has been a real treat for me.

I was thrilled to see him on the big screen. I loved the movie. Those that are trashing it have some screws loose rattling around in their brains. They are not happy that there is a new MAN in town destined to be No. 1, for a long, long time and that he is a Scotsman. I may be wrong, but I do not think that a Scotsman has ever been given the Acameny Award for Best Actor. I am expecting to see this one day given to Gerard Butler.

I cannot believe they could not see the beauty of this movie. I know everyone is entitled to their opinion, and, of course, I am prejudiced because of Gerry, but even the love scene was beautifully and tastefully done.

The respect and devotion these men showed to their King and to their country was very inspiring and he gave them the same in return. Family and Country are always to be protected.

I watched as King Leonidas looked at Queen Gorgo's face for the last time and I cried. No kiss, no words just that loving look. That's is all that is needed between two people who love each other. This is not just an historical event but, also a love story. I am not one for blood and guts, but I loved this movie.

I had read how he died. I am glad that the movie did not show that they took his head. That would have really done its doom on me.

I do not think that anyone else will ever play King Leonidas in a movie. No one could come close to Gerard Butler and I don't think that anyone would ever put themselve through what he did. Thankfully, most of the critics have good things to say about Gerry.

As far as I am concerned, the face of King Leonidas will always be that of Gerry Butler, just as is Beowulf, the Phantom, Marek, the Stranger, Creedy, etc. The characters he portrays becomes his alone. This is the magic of Gerard Butler.

Will I see it again? You bet I will. Next time, I might just go again by myself or, maybe not.

A little note to Gerry: You are a genius, you are brilliant, you are one of a kind, you are unstoppable and with all my heart, I wish you peace. You are truly blessed with so much God-given talent. Thank you for the joy you give to me.

Blessings,

Lady Yvonne <><

[raina snow]

Yvonne no one could have said it better, beautiful. lu Betts

[AngelofMusic]

Now that I have actually had a couple days for what I experienced to really sink in, I just love what everyone has written especially Swannie....that was the most beautiful, honest review of "300". To think that our guy is captivating countless numbers and people are finally taking notice with his performance is beyond words.

I mean I know I was counting down the days, and when March 9 arrived I was like Im goning to see this movie today and nothing will prevent me from doing so lol. Becuase I just had to see what I had been waiting for, and when I finally saw "300" I was not prepared to be blown away as I was. And futher more, having to absorb so much in such a fast pace was so exhuastingly intense. The way Gerry moved in the battle scenes with such poetic, graceful motion for me was hypnotizing.

I never seen such visuals like this and the way the music whoever bold seemed to so effortlessly tell a whole story alone, besides the actual story of the Spartans.

If only every movie was so powerful and had the ability to grab to and pull you in so deeply. I think its so much more than just a bad-arse action/war movie. This story has heart and soul, passion, integrity, insurmountable inspriation & I loved so much how at its very core IMO was so romantic. I know I really understood that at the root of the voilence, slaughter, and death, there was love and such self-sacrifice and what these guys was fighting for was what they held dearest to them. In Leonidas case, his queen his love.

I keep replaying that last moment over and over again, right before an ocean of arrows reigns down on him...."My queen, my wife, my love" (At that moment, I felt tears running down my face, because it really broke my heart)

This man never ceases to amaze me in the most unexpected ways and I am always stunned and captivted by his performances. Gerry is so much more than just an actor to me...Gerry is an artist.

~Sarah

[Ma Nature]

I've tried in vain to find out where to post this review, and sad to say, everyone must be out watching the movie, because I haven't gotten any replies, so I'm gonna post it here. I really want to share it, and if this isn't the right place, well, I reckon we can move it. Our movie reviewer is quite good, but very tough on most films, and I was impressed by his take on 300. Hope you enjoy these! Both articles were featured in Friday's edition of our paper's Calendar Magazine. (You'll probably have to click on each image to open it up full size so you can read it.)

Hugs,

Marcia

Mod note: Just click on the link to view the scans. Click again to view larger

http://www.bluebirdsandrainbows.com/moore300review1.jpg

http://www.bluebirdsandrainbows.com/moore300review2.jpg

http://www.bluebirdsandrainbows.com/moore300review3.jpg

http://www.bluebirdsandrainbows.com/moore300review4.jpg

http://www.bluebirdsandrainbows.com/snack1.jpg

Edited March 11, 2007 by discoveringme
Images too large-made into links

[Guest greyeyegoddess]

I didn't see this posted anywhere, Marcia.

It's great! Did this come from your paper?

I'll ask, can we post this to the Gallery?

I'll be around today. I'll be expecting others to watch the movie for me today. My cough is continuous right now and my throat is killing me.

~alice

[discoveringme]

Marcia, I think we just need to make the scans smaller but we can get them into the right spot. I'll check on it for you. Posting articles is new to me too!!

[Ma Nature]

I didn't see this posted anywhere, Marcia.

It's great! Did this come from your paper?

I'll ask, can we post this to the Gallery?

I'll be around today. I'll be expecting others to watch the movie for me today. My cough is continuous right now and my throat is killing me.

~alice

Yes, Alice, this is our Orlando Movie Critic, Roger Moore, and it appeared in Friday's Orlando Sentinel, Calendar Section. I think it's a great review and I wrote several people to ask how to get it posted, (whether I should scan or retype, or what), plus I asked in several of my posts, and I didn't get any answers. So I just took a chance and posted it here. Please feel free to put it wherever you think best.

I thought it was cleverly written and by someone who really "got it," and I hoped y'all might enjoy it, too. It's nice to have an actual movie critic really love it. (I loved that he called the Berlin folks "pansies" for walking out, though I think he got it wrong that it was at the public showing, when my understanding was it was at the Press showing.) And I love the comment about there being something wrong with your marrow if this movie doesn't stir you all the way to it. (INFINITELY better than the girl who said it was only good for making FUN of...what a hateful little review. So glad she is in the minority, and that the film is breaking BOX OFFICE RECORDS!!! Wheeeeeeeeee!)

Hurray for Gerry!

Hugs,

Marcia

[Ma Nature]

Marcia, I think we just need to make the scans smaller but we can get them into the right spot. I'll check on it for you. Posting articles is new to me too!!

The scans work perfect on my monitor, but everyone's settings are different. If you make them smaller, they aren't very readable, though of course, thumbnails can be made of them, linked to the full sized scans. I just didn't know what to do with it. Please feel free to do whatever is best to get it out there...or forward it to anyone you wish, or whatever. Or, if need be, I can type the whole thing. I just didn't know how best to do it.

Thanks, Jill!

Hugs,

Marcia

[discoveringme]

I just sent you a PM! Could you just go ahead and forward the scans you already have on your computer to Jenn? I think that will work.

Thanks again!

[Lady Elissa]

I've just been reading reports of 300's opening week box-office totals! That inspired me to write this limerick:

King Leonidas led 300 to box-office success!

In theaters across the land, toward victory he made steady progress.

The film's beauty dazzles the eyes.

It's action and spectacle mesmerize.

My favorite scene is on a moonlit balcony, I confess.

[tilzey]

Thanks for the fun review.

Sounds like this is a movie reviewer who "gets" "300".

[dlsmilad]

OMG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I finally got to see it.

It was not as bad as I thought with the violence, used to seeing mean things in real life on tv.

I was sad for the animals who got hurt, just my nature, even though I know they didn't. And of course the Spartan men as well.

Gerry was amazing!!!!!

I did shed tears when the King (Gerry did) & when he died. How can you not.

I did like it, so looking forward to going again.

I even asked another friend who knows I am into Gerry & she said yes, because she heard so many good reviews.

It was a mixed crowd, moslty college age guys, a few couples, but it was packed nicely. Someone did bring their boy, about 10 maybe. The show before was too, as we watched the crowd leave.

No one was talking after, at least nto tenough to be heard, but I think they liked it.

I forgot to add: that I wore my 300 button proudly. It is like the poster with the cliff.

Edited March 12, 2007 by dlsmilad

[blondesquaw]

FANTASTIC!!!!!!!!!

I got to see it on my birthday...

the theater was packed !!!!!!!!

ruby

[Stardust7677]

Just got back from seeing 300!!!

All I can say is

W O W !!!!!

:tasty:

It was absolutely fantastic!! And that bare bottom moonlit balcony scene.....

I was concerned going in that the graphic enhancement to the entire world around them etc might be distracting from the story, but my fears were laid to rest in the first 2 seconds. It was breathtaking, beautiful...and omg gorey LOL. Although, i must say, the way they portrayed the gore in slo-mo in some areas , almost leant the battle a poetic beautiful edge --in an icky, macabre sort of way .

(On a side note, I too, was a little irked to see one couple brought their young son to see this film. He couldn't have been more than 9 or 10 years old. If I was a mother, the gorey battle scenes in this movie are not images I'd want in MY son's head when he goes to sleep tonight. I realize Spartan boys saw much worse at earlier ages, , but this isn't ancient Sparta.)

Gerry's performance was moving and awe-inspiring and...there aren't enough words. He was magnificent. His last words had me in tears.

I wouldn't be surprised to see this film with several nominations, and wins, at the next Academy Awards. If not for its incredible acting, then it's beautiful and haunting cinematography and special effects.

What can I say? I loved it. Absolutely loved it.

Star

Edited March 12, 2007 by Stardust7677