Going to the movies
I've really slacked off since the invasion of Netflix. I don't care for people in bulk at the best of times, and the stupid pre-pre-movie quasi-TV nonsense irritates the hell out of me. Previews are mostly fodder for my cynical "spot the target demographic" instincts. Judging from what I saw, the suits in Hollywood think people going to see 300 like fart jokes and movies about biblical end times. Yippee.
The movie, though, was great. I can see why all the usual suspects have their panties in a wad about it. One scene in particular stood out for me. The Quasimodo-like quasi-Spartan pleads with Leonidas for permission to fight with the 300. Leonidas gives him a hearing. If this were a Disney after-school special, that's all it would take. Give him a chance, he saves the team, everybody cheers and wonders why they ever were so mean to him.
But not in the world the Spartans inhabit. Leonidas praises his strength with a spear, but points out the guy cannot lift his shield high enough--and the Spartans fight *together*. In a phalanx. If you can't raise your shield, you endanger the man next to you. There are things Quasi can do to help, but no, that's not good enough for him and he goes and betrays all of Greece because someone has pointed out he really isn't like the other kids. It's brutal, but it's the truth (another Spartan specialty).
I also really liked Queen Gorgo's method of dealing with dishonest politicians. (Honest ones *stay* bought.) There is little chance of recidivism, especially with the medical technology of the day.
The movie, though, was great. I can see why all the usual suspects have their panties in a wad about it. One scene in particular stood out for me. The Quasimodo-like quasi-Spartan pleads with Leonidas for permission to fight with the 300. Leonidas gives him a hearing. If this were a Disney after-school special, that's all it would take. Give him a chance, he saves the team, everybody cheers and wonders why they ever were so mean to him.
But not in the world the Spartans inhabit. Leonidas praises his strength with a spear, but points out the guy cannot lift his shield high enough--and the Spartans fight *together*. In a phalanx. If you can't raise your shield, you endanger the man next to you. There are things Quasi can do to help, but no, that's not good enough for him and he goes and betrays all of Greece because someone has pointed out he really isn't like the other kids. It's brutal, but it's the truth (another Spartan specialty).
I also really liked Queen Gorgo's method of dealing with dishonest politicians. (Honest ones *stay* bought.) There is little chance of recidivism, especially with the medical technology of the day.
posted by Snarkatron at 5:07 PM
4 Comments:
Gee, since the Hubster is not likely to want to go see this one in the theater, I guess I'll have to go by myself.
But I'm glad you enjoyed it. Really I am.
Update - I begged, and I will be escorted to see 300 by the Hubster. Yippee!!
Yeah. I loved the queens methods of dealing with the politician.
"You will not like this."
bwaaahahahaa
That's one fun movie! The stylistic look and the over-the-top effects (especially Xerxes) were very enjoyable indeed.
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