Seven years after its original release, the hit movie “300” now has a sequel; “300: Rise of an Empire.” It is based on the yet-to-be published comic “Xerxes” of the “300” comic book series.

The film begins showing the Persian Army looking back on the Battle of Marathon from the previous movie. We find that Xerxes , son of King Darius, witnesses his own father’s death by the bow of Themistocles, the Athenian General.  

While King Darius is on his deathbed, he was advised by his father not to pursue vengeance because “only the Gods” can defeat the Greeks. He could choose to listen to his father, but that would not make out to be a very good movie, would it?

While standing in front of the Persian people, Xerxes declares a full-fledged war on Greece. The Persian people are all for it and are eager to get even with the Greeks.

The Persian Army then begins their journey onward to Thermopylae to engage in battle. From then on, we see plenty of brute force and battle action rage on.

First of all, I feel the need to say that if you go to this movie, be sure to spend the extra couple of bucks on the 3D version of the film. It is definitely made to be seen in 3D, and would not be at all the same without it.

As entertaining as the movie is at times of battle, some of the sequences without it seemed a little dull. But good thing though is that there is plenty of action in this movie, so do not let that worry you too much.

As good as the movie is, I still feel like there is something missing from this film. When 300 first came out, it had an initial impression that made it feel like an instant classic.

This film does not quite have that effect; at least not for me. There is nothing special about it that says I absolutely must see it again, and I do not see it as being as popular as the original film had been.

For the most part though, this was an enjoyable film. If you liked the original, you will likely enjoy the sequel.

3.5/5