I was deeply skeptical of a sequel to 300, Zack Snyder's 2006 adaptation of Frank Miller's graphic novel. However, after a worldwide haul of $456 million (from a $65 million budget) it was inevitable. Although Snyder is absent from the director's chair, 300: RISE OF AN EMPIRE has got his signature all over it and for the sake of keeping the same tone and feel I'm happy for it. Noam Murro (SMART PEOPLE) may have been an unlikely choice to succeed Snyder, but judging from what we've seen thus far, it looks like he created the same chest-beating brutality and machismo spirit of the original, as demonstrated in these two new clips, one of which hums along beautifully to Black Sabbath's "War Pigs."
"Seize Your Glory!":
Here's the synopsis:
After its victory over Leonidas' 300, the Persian Army under the command of Xerxes marches towards the major Greek city-states. The Democratic city of Athens, first on the path of Xerxes' army, bases its strength on its fleet, led by admiral Themistocles. Themistocles is forced to an unwilling alliance with the traditional rival of Athens, oligarchic Sparta whose might lies with its superior infantry troops. But Xerxes still reigns supreme in numbers over sea and land.
I saw the extended look for this at SDCC last year and then the similar one when I went to see ROBOCOP a few nights ago. It was one of those times that you end up seeing a preview that looks better than the movie you're about to see and it's hard to bounce back afterwards. This one just looks like a lot of good, bloody fun and that's all I'm hoping for. Prospects looks strong for that outcome.
300: RISE OF AN EMPIRE seizes theaters on March 7, 2014.