This movie just bitch-slapped Troy and sent it running off to find its equally disappointing friend Alexander. Somewhere in the multiverse, Arthur and his Knights are whimpering. (The only ones safe are the Fellowship of the Ring... Peter Jackson can continue to rest easy.)

Epic. Truly larger than life. From a pregnant moon that hung low in the sky to the depth of fealty the Spartans felt for their King it. This was a graphic novel come to life.

There were shots that looked like living paintings. Killer lines that you cant wait to use in daily life but probably never will (no spoilers, dont worry). And a very strong female lead that has been missing from these period war movies.

The script was tight, the cinematography was excellent, the editing perfect, the amount of Spartan hotness was off the charts, fight scenes choreography puts most to shame... all set against this backdrop of loyalty, brotherhood and freedom.

I would love to pull out all the profound technical critique-y words I learned in all those film classes I took but right now all I want to say is: Watch This Movie. You will, if nothing else, enjoy it.

Seriously, big ups to Larry Fong who was the Director of Photography (aka the cinematographer) for 300. He apparently is an accomplished magician when not applying the same magical feats to movies.