This movie was so good on so many levels. No, it doesn't have some deep metaphysical story, but then again...it doesn't have to. It's a simple idea, extremely well executed.
The combat scenes were so well choreographed. It really drove home just how freaking badass the Spartans were, especially with those stylized speed up/slow down shots where one Spartan takes out a dozen Persians. Brutal yet... beautiful at the same time. Plus the entire look of the film, with the pronounced film grain, boosted contrast, and semi-sepia tone gave it a hyper-reality that I really haven't seen before.
I won't ruin the plot for anyone, but there were some one-liners in there that made me laugh out loud with how matter-of-fact they were said. Also, I enjoyed the "What is your profession?" scene.
There were a few "supernatural" elements that I wasn't too crazy about, that served as sharp reminders that we were watching a comic book adaptation and not a historical piece. Not that I was expecting a History Channel special or anything, but those elements just stood out a little too obviously, more at home in the Lord of the Rings Trilogy instead of a historically-based piece.
Overall, my wife and I enjoyed it throuroughly. It's funny - usually these types of movies are strictly for the guys. But I've heard that a lot of women love it. Aside from the terrific story and action, there's plenty of eye candy for both sexes. For us guys, Lena Headey is smoking hot. Screw it - ALL the Spartan women were hot. And, if you're thinking about taking your girlfriend/wife to see it, get ready for her to ask you to join a gym afterwards. This movie's got more six-packs than a liquor store. I swear, gym memberships will probably go up thanks to this movie alone... Unless your girlfriend's/wife's idea of a heavy action movie is
Steel Magnolias or something, she'll probably like it.