Rises only to fall

Themistocles (Sullivan Stapleton) of Athens takes it upon himself to challenge warrior Queen Arthemesia (Eva Green) of Caria and enlists the support of Queen Gorgo (Lena Heady). King Xerxes (Rodrigo Santora) of Persia is also in the theatre of war which seems endless.

Actually, Themistocles and Arthemesia are at centre-stage with the Queen spewing venom and every chance (with some foul epithets that seem to have evaded the Censors). If only these key characters were imbued with psychological overtones, it would have given the fare a different dimension and also dramatic relief. If there is comic relief it is totally unintended. So much for director Noam Murro’s handling of the subject to say nothing of the cliché-heavy and verbose screenplay.

Shot in 3D, one has an overdose of action, especially the naval engagement of Arthemesium and Thermopylae, and hand-to-hand skirmishes are grist for the mill with heads rolling, literally, and blood flowing (again, past the Censors).

Acting is secondary to the action and the spunky Eva Green manages to top the list with Sullivan Stapleton a distant second. Lena Heady and Rodrigo Santoro provide nominal support in this overkill entertainer. For dishum-dishum fans only.