The List: hot new items worthy of an obsession

“300,” a war movie comparable to “Gladiator” and “Troy,” was released in theaters March 9. Based on the epic graphic novel by Frank Miller, the movie fiercely retells the ancient battle of Thermopylae in which King Leonidas (Gerard Butler) and 300 Spartans fought to the death against Xerxes’ enormous Persian army. This pure brawny spectacle gives background to the intensity of Greek war training. The skills and dedication of the 300 men led them to prevent the Persian army from passing until the stuffy Greek court acknowledged the need to declare war. Instead of mixing war scenes in with a storyline, this movie provides several minutes of intermittent scenes of dialogue among an extensive demonstration of brutality. Although a virtual no-name, Gerard Butler, playing King Leonidas, plays his character remarkably and makes the audience truly believe in his mission. The ladies may not enjoy “300” as much as the somewhat romantic “Troy,” yet it is an excellent portrayal of the desperate means men took to protect their freedom in ancient times.