It’s been quite a while since 300 came out, 2007 to be exact. What took so long? Director Zach Snyder has been waiting on Frank Miller to finish his follow up comic to base the film upon. While it was discussed Zach was still up to direct, but now he’s got his hands full with Superman projects. For this  he stepped back to become writer and producer. One thing I remember about the first film was that it felt very stiff and artificial in the hopes to replicate the look of a comic. This effect worked for some, and it was considered to be ground braking by many. Despite this claim, very few films attempted to model the 300 style. This film seems to have more life to it, maybe it’s the directing or the source material.  ( which Frank Miller isn’t even finished with) I felt more engaged in general with this film, this film seems to take itself less seriously then the first one did by adding slight touches of well needed humor in  various spots as well as new super natural elements. Those who saw the first film shouldn’t expect a direct sequel with this, it actually takes place during the events of the first film and continues onward. Frank Miller received some criticism for historical inaccuracies in the first film, this film feels like a response to those critics. If you enjoyed the meat of what 300 was then you won’t be disappointed. The stand out performance was that of Eva Green who played Artemisia. Her performance was played with such fury and passion and a heart wrenching back story that you actually root for her. She also injected some well needed girl power in this testosterone fest. The star, on other hand, Sullivan Stapleton, is much more muted compared to Gerard Butler but it works. He feels like an actual human being as oppose to a screaming maniac who kicks people into holes. I happened to see this movie in 3D and even though 3D gets it’s backlash. Rise of an Empire was so immersive with the glasses on, compared to the first movie which felt like watching actors a painted backdrop.  This movie engulfs you in it’s environment. You almost feel raindrops and blood splatters.  I’m no history major by any means but I can tell you one thing for certain, 300:Rise of an Empire is an extremely fun, violent movie.