Didn’t read the thread because I didn’t want to chance a spoiler (I always curse under my breath at people who open a thread about something they haven’t seen yet, then complain about spoilers - wait til you’ve seen it to open the thread!) - but wanted to add:
I’ve been anticipating this since I saw the first trailer. I’m taking off work tomorrow just to see the first matinee! I’m glad it’s getting good reviews - I’m sure it’ll rock.
I just got tickets to see it at the IMAX theater in Lincoln Center (they made a special IMAX print of the film.) I had to settle for next Tuesday, because every showing this weekend was sold out.
Lord, methinks the reviewer has some “issues” to put it mildly.
He’s certainly not alone. Another review I read somewhere said it was gayer than Brokeback. I suppose I’ll see it because it’ll be the “talk of the town” but I thought Sin City was a major creative misfire, and I haven’t read a single review anywhere saying that this one is better.
A reporter form the Village Voice disliking a movie that literally (and I literally mean literally) glorifies violence? In the sense that the heroes walk around saying, “All this violence - isn’t it glorious?” Couldn’t happen.
May balrogs descend on you! What sacrilege!! 
That review is fantastic, thanks.
I am seeing it on Imax tomorrow. I confess, I was hoping for all of the violence with a little more substance and a lot less orientalism, but I will go in with an open mind.
I just bought tickets to see the IMAX presentation of it for Saturday. I’m excited. Anyone see it that way yet?
My imax show is at 4pm today. Almost there…
It was beautiful and I loved it. Viewing this movie before ball games, military skirmishes, presentations, surgeries, yard work, and making love to your wife would totally enhance the experience.
Thespians? I think two girls together is so hot!
There are certain bars in Bangkok with interesting nightly shows that I could point you toward.
Oh dear god, all week everyone’s been calling into the Science Center, asking if we’re showing this movie. NO, no matter how many times I say, No, we’re not, they never believe us.
So forgive me if I’m a little soured on this.
Just got back. Very beautiful movie. Every scene is like a painting.
Gay? Nah. Lots of beefcake though so if that sort of thing turns you off well, don’t go then.
My theater was at least half full with young guys, many military. So I guess it can’t be that gay. 
I just got back. I thought it was an over-the-top, macho, almost comically exaggerated treatment of the story. I loved it. It’s highly idealized, but some of the ideals are worthy. It’s a paean to miltary culture and not all of it is bullshit. At the end of the day, it was a real sacrifice with real heroism and a real ability to inspire. Don’t go expecting realism (the rhino was just silly). This is impressionistic, not journalistic.
Also, there are boobies to go with the beefcake. It’s not just a sausage fest.
Just got back from watching it. Though I could tear the movie to shreds from a historic perspective (Greeks didn’t fight that way 
)…I thought the movie was great! Very over the top, lots of poetic and creative license…and simply a great movie to get the blood pumping! The audience actually was cheering at the end…and there were lots of spontaneous shouts during the movie (especially when a certain counseler met his just deserts…there were shouts of ‘fuck yeah!’, and 'eat THAT mo’fo! ).
As DtC said, the soldiers outfits (or lack there of ) were definitely there for eye candy (both male and female depending on how one swings), and the entire thing was highly idealized (Greeks DID wear armor after all…among other things).
The fight scenes were well done, if about as far removed from historical accuracy as one could get (I loved the little 3 foot spears they were using and all the martial arts moves these Greeks were using). It would have been hilarious to see a Greek warrior in a phalanx formation actually try and THROW a 9-10 foot spear about 300 yards to kill the Persian king… 
At any rate, and FWIW, XT highly recommends this one…go forth and enjoy! As others have said though, if you have a weak stomach, or don’t like the gory movies, you might want to give this one a pass…
-XT
Well, if it is, none of the military guys will ever say a word to you about it.
Is this an ironic comment? An audience of young men watching a film with lots of half-naked musclebound shouty sweaty men. Not evidence of being appealing to the gay contingent? I am just confused.
They threw in some homophobic slurs just to be annoying. I didn’t like it. I guess I expected too much out of it. The portrayal of the Persians, the trampling of history, the polarization of complex issues, etc. I hope they do a real version of this awesome story.
And here is something else that bothered me. Why were the Persians mostly portrayed as black/dark skinned?
The way Xerxes was portrayed really bothered me.