300: Rise of an Empire

The only compelling reason not to completely ignore the sequel to 300 is, of course, Eva Green. Regarding the comic "Xerxes: The Fall of the House of Darius and the Rise of Alexander," the latter was not released until 4 years after the 2nd film and 20 years after the first "300" comic book album, so this is how the work became very dated and falls into that phase of Frank Miller's work that even the most loyal fans no longer want to discuss. (28/12/2019)

Compared to the first one, there is more emphasis on the story, the exteriors are more varied and the "red" action at times tries to give the impression of real battle strategy, which I consider a good step in contrast to the monotonous chopping and endless slow-motion of Snyder (although this one has too much slow-motion, too). However, the only thing that elevates this cool, visually messy parade of abs and heroic platitudes slightly above the level of the first one is the head-cutting, eye-murdering, hard-fucking but outrageously attractive and sexy Eva Green, who endows her role with such charisma that Leonidas would quickly stick his head in the sand in front of her. For her sake, I not only throw in an extra star, but even declare the second 300 a very, very enjoyable and exciting waste of time. 55% (22/03/2014)

A highly spectacular, comic-book-like bloody football match with an irresistible animalistic sex scene at half-time (which turned me on) and a subsequent poetic statement in the climax (which brought me to my knees). Praise goes to the film’s creators for the opulent conception of a sequel as a massive tune-up of the first instalment, which now seems modest in comparison. (03/04/2014)

If it weren’t for Eva Green, there would barely be a third of the movie. Her charm has breathed life into this adaptation which is far more like a comic book movie than the first 300. It all stands or falls on whether she appears on the screen. Anyways, I was sort of sick and tired of this comic book feel. The first 300 was stylish and raw. But I’d compare this one to Sin City. Everything is purposely fake and wannabe cool. I’m not saying that it was disappointing, I’m really not. But it practically has just a single ace up its sleeve – Eva Green. Everything else is awfully fleeting. (10/07/2015)

Hectolitres of digital/artificial blood, tons of slow motion shots, a woman's breast from time to time, a bunch of half-naked guys, a WTF shot here and there - this and more sort of summarizes the second 300, which is in many ways similar, if not the same as the first one. Halfway through the film I thought it was really boring, but fortunately it all picks up somewhat in the second half, so this film deserves the three stars I gave it. Of the cast, I was most impressed by Eva Green, whose villain role fit her like a glove. In short, a film that takes a special approach to appreciate, I enjoyed the many visual effects and had a satisfying soundtrack playing in my ears. (12/04/2014)