300:
Rise of an Empire (3D) (15)
Dir: Noam Munro
With: Eva Green, Sullivan Stapleton
Runtime: 102 minutes
THE swords, sandals and skimpies epic returns with more tales of ancient battles between the Greeks and Persians. As in Zack Snyder's 2006 film starring oor ain Gerard Butler, there are acres of male flesh on show, making the picture look like one long advert for a strippergram firm.
If you can stop sniggering for long enough at the sight of all that well-oiled muscle and the accidentally innuendo-laden dialogue, there are some impressive action sequences as the Greek navy takes on the Persian forces in sea battles.
To lighten the testosterone-heavy atmosphere, new director Noam Munro brings in a couple of female warriors in the shape of Bond woman Eva Green's Artemesia and Lena Headey's Queen Gorgo.
Both turn out to be more terrifying than the men when it comes to skewering enemies and swearing vengeance. As for Butler, he turns up briefly (pardon the pun) in scenes that have the distinct air of having been filmed earlier. With the Scotsman out of the way, the scowling and hero duties are soon taken over with fitting gusto by Sullivan Stapleton, who plays Themistokles.
Also reporting for duty with a sword and shield is a newly buff Jack O'Connell (Skins, Starred Up), who spends the picture looking vaguely stunned at the film he finds himself in. He was not alone.
Stranger by the Lake (18)
Dir: Alain Guiraudie
With: Pierre Deladonchamps, Christophe Paou
Runtime: 100 minutes
A LONG, hot summer in France and Franck has taken to hanging out at a gay cruising spot by a lake.
Though acquaintances are meant to be casual and fleeting, Franck finds himself drawn to two men: the genial Henri, with whom he shares conversations about nothing in particular, and the handsome, mysterious Michel, who insists on discretion in all things outside the confines of the lake.
In a community of strangers, Franck (the excellent Pierre Deladonchamps) wants to get to know Michel better, even if he does sense danger ahead.
As the 18 certificate suggests, the sex scenes are graphic, but what is remarkable here is the way Alain Guiraudie's thriller hooks the viewer from the start and continues to reel them in, tightening the tension as it goes. Distinctive and gripping.
Glasgow Film Theatre, March 7-13; Cameo, March 11
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