Notes on 300

1. I saw 300 at the IMAX theater in Chicago when it came out in general release. The fighting was great, and Butler was great as Leonidas, but the point in the movie that got the biggest reaction from the audience is when (in spoiler-avoidance-language) the queen does something violent to . . . empower herself. I later found out (by reading the graphic novel) that the pro-female angle was not explored by the book, and was added later by director/writer Zack Snyder and others.

2. If you want to truly appreciate the slow-mo ridiculousness of "300," then watch the South Park parody of the movie, episode 1106, in which Mrs. Garrison (formerly Mr. Garrison) leads a group of lesbians against Persians trying to take over their bar (I hope the pun is visible from here).

3. I refused to believe that Xerxes was Rodrigo Santoro until I saw the IMDB entry. I still can't accept it. I guess makeup should win an Oscar, too.

4. Did you know that Gerard Butler was also the Phantom of the Opera in the recent film version-- were you even aware of it? Speaking of a failed Joel Schumacher film, I will be reviewing the Number 23 soon.

5. Actually, I do recall that the Iranians made a big fuss over "300," not the other way around. They said it was anti-Iran propaganda. Interesting enough, the Iranians produced a documentary, called "Glory of Persepolis," as a counter-statement to 300, and are now producing a film entitled "Parseh: The Capital of the World," that will supposedly show the "truth" about those times. As if that's what Snyder was trying to do with "300." IT WAS 2000 YEARS AGO. GET OVER IT.

P.S.- Congrats to Revan! Maybe she reads this??

P.P.S.- "Superbad" tonight. Hopefully.