Lord of the 300

Went to see 300, or rather, Lord of the Rings (The Tarantino Edit).

A good film, don't get me wrong, I couldn't help spotting the LotR inspiration...

...the heroes are being followed by a lone figure with long fingers (first scene he wraps them around a rock). Cue "preciousssssss" comments.

...the cave troll was back. I guess he was one of the few people for whom LotR didn't really kick start the flagging career.

...the Oliphaunts had been given remodelled rider's stations, and a coat of paint.

...an amulet passed from one to another before departure.

Some of the Immortals even looked like Orcs.

Imagery that was clearly cut from the final edit included
- the Spartan king standing at the head of the gorge shouting "You shall not pass!" at the approaching Persians
- his wife reforging his family's broken sword...

Mind you, it was a whole lot better than the travesty that was Troy...