#12. 300

Frank Miller is the multi-talented guy. He has taken on the role of director, writer, and artist in many ventures. Projects include Daredevil, Electra, Batman, Sin City, and 300. Like George Lucas, Frank Miller is a man ahead of his time. Sin City was an instant success. Critics wrote rave reviews about the film's gritty coloring - or lack thereof. It's no surprise that Frank Miller learned from that experience and applied similar technology in the stylish cinematography of 300, the 12th pick on the countdown.

13. 12 Angry Men
14. Secondhand Lions
15. The Italian Job
16. Shawshank Redemption
17. Little Miss Sunshine
18. The Greatest Game Ever Played
19. Roman Holiday
20. Fight Club
21. The Prestige
22. Once
23. Road To Perdition
24. V For Vendetta
25. Dear Frankie


“Spartans! Prepare for glory!”

Most parents would move mountains to give their children a bright future. Spartans would cast their children down mountain cliffs if too puny, small, sickly, or misshapen. Baptized in the fire of combat, Spartan boys were taught never to retreat nor surrender. Every boy's dream was to die on the fields of battle while defending their country. It's no surprise that Spartans were a force to be reckoned with. Wives told their husbands, "Come back with your shield, or on it." Yikes. Talk about letting your work rule your life.

Favorite Scene: The battle scenes throughout this film are incredible. Slow motion shots give an up-close-and-personal view of each javelin thrust. 300 is not for the faint of heart. The images are brutal, but the story is incredible. The lifestyle of a Spartan warrior seem unfathomable to many. I was fascinated by the level of unceasing devotion to one's country. During one scene in particular, a Spartan warrior leaps over his foes' heads and initiates a suicide battle: thousands of Persians against 300 Spartans.

Rating: ********** (10 out of 10)