Spartacus (TV Series) The Red Serpent (2010) User Reviews

Mesmerizing animated digital and violent painting, surreal editing, inspiring protagonist's love quest, lazy sex scenes but cut sharp dialogs

[igoatabase · 9/10 · 29 January 2010]

I knew the show wouldn't be your usual historical drama but I didn't expect it to be that brutal. It was one hell of a bloody pilot ! When Rome impressed us with its high-end production and mature cast, The Red Serpent was more about the dark deoxygenated visuals and hyper dynamic action. But like in The Tudors it was also a lot about the relationship between power and women.

To tell the truth it took my neurons some time to coagulate because of the numerous brilliant ideas that could make Spartacus : Blood and Sand the 300 of television. First it's not a surprise Sam Raimi co-created it considering his past works. Ready for an other Army of Darkness night fever ? However it wasn't funny at all and definitely not a parody of Gladiator (2000). The only humorous scenes involved John Hannah's character and his greedy wife. He was so hilarious in The Mummy that I'm glad to see him back. Moreover his profile should help to take all the graphic violence more lightly. In fact once a body part was cut sharp the red fluid was pouring so much that I found most of the scenes jaw dropping. They even match some Mortal Kombat fatalities ! The last time I was so fascinated by such fights was probably while watching Braveheart but let's consider that I haven't seen 300 yet.

As for the cliché but inspiring story of course it's all about Spartacus and his beautiful damsel in distress, Sura. The first seconds made me skeptical about the digital visuals but I instantly knew Andy Whitfield was the perfect match for the famous slaves leader. Erin Cummings is also great as his wife. She both has an irresistible sex appeal and strong charisma. In fact the scene where she picks straw fruits is my favorite because she looked like a nose bleeding Little Red Riding Hood. There was something fantastic about the ambiance and the following minutes were just astonishing. In fact I was very impressed by the editing in general because some transitions were just mesmerizing. One second Spartacus is warming up with his friends, the next they're fighting deadly cells in a plasma of snowflakes. It's not everyday that you can see so much creativity. I wouldn't be surprised if it rained vampire cats and zombie dogs in the upcoming episodes !

But the problem is that I was so pleased by this pilot that I'm already asking for more and the next episode, Sacramentum Gladiatorum, better be even more gory and unpredictable. They definitely have to take things to the next level ! For example I wouldn't be against some mythological elements like in the God of War video game series. I also think that visually playing with the vital importance of organs like heart could bring some depth to the cut scenes. Anyone for ogres in bloodlust ? What about turning deadly injured characters into stones ? What if some of them actually had green blood ? The sexual elements could also use some dirty cleaning because the lust scenes were quite boring and after the epic butchery they seemed even more conventional. What about playing with the most controversial feelings of the tortured characters ? These few ideas could modestly be the necessary subtances that could raise the show among the pioneers of a new visual and savage era.

It's useless to resist the infection because this review should have already spread some parasites in your veins. You already want to know what happened to Sura and how Spartacus managed to defeat his enemies. And as every hero has a nemesis I can't wait to watch the upcoming episodes. Moreover the ending was so captivating and twisted that I really wonder what his love for her will allow him to do, beside painting sand. I also found quite smart to give so much meaning to words in such a physical show. It successfully brought some depth to it. In Spartacus blood is not associated to its importance to life but to the death caused by fatal injuries. Its creators gave birth to a creature whom blood is shed for us in a cup of entertainment and visual madness. That is their testament. Not watching it would make you an heretic and trust me, you don't want to wake up the berserker within him !

Great opening

[fuad_tarin_58 · 8/10 · 24 May 2022]

This is i belive the 3rd time im rewatching this amazing show.

Its really great to first off all see all the old characters again and also how spartacus got his name to begin with.

First time i watched this i gave it a 7/10 but now rewatching it its a 8/10.

Spartacus retold in a way that may or may not have happened. Riveting and new style of entertainment.

[ScottJarreau · 7/10 · 5 September 2013]

Brilliant retelling. The first episode is unlike any other throughout the entire series but it is very tender and easy to follow. It sets a compelling back story for Spartacus that can neither be confirmed nor denied by historians. (Which is in part, the genius of the show itself. With history offering so little fact on Spartacus, the writers take liberty with each episode on the understanding of; "We're not saying it actually happened this way, but who's to say it didn't?" The introduction of the characters taking place in Thrace, gives the viewer an almost "Braveheart" experience, along with the stylized "300" action. Some of the CGI and blood work is rough and sloppy but done tastefully enough considering the short production schedule for a television show. Actors were very well chosen. Particularly, the star character and the villain. Craig Parker's range as an actor was seen within one episode and his character is someone that you want to stay alive just so you have someone to hate fervently. Andy Whitfield, brings a deep and tragic charisma to a character that History can say was nothing more than a brutish and skilled soldier and strategist. He is easily very likable. Erin Cummings gives a mesmerizing performance as Sura, the prophetess wife of our hero. Though Cummings attempt at donning an English accent is not carried well, she compensates with the other aspects of her acting. (Almost forcing the audience to step inside of her emotions within each scene that she's in) The episode concluding in Capua and setting the stage for what the rest of the first season would look like, was a nice touch and not over done. (We as the audience were given enough time to grieve the life that Spartacus and Sura once shared and were eager to see what rests for their futures.) Very well done Pilot. They have set the stage for a show that could create a huge following.

Potentially THE man's man fantasy series

[smokecombs · 10/10 · 23 January 2010]

Any die-hard beer swigging, UFC watching, "300" special edition owner, that loves swords, blood, action, fighting, boobs, booty, etc.. will eventually come to love this show.

The pilot was just an introductory, and although it may not be worthy of a 10, I think it has only been reviewed by women who I can understand may not love this series, or people who generally don't like this type of movie. Really, I don't know what's the point of watching something if you can't stand that genre, but anyway, that's me.

An honest review I would give the pilot series a 6. It's basically introducing the main characters. The acting is okay, not as good as "Rome" which had really great acting, and 2 of my favorite up and coming actors. But Rome had some very slow moments as well, which some have complained about this first episode of "Spartacus". But from scenes I've saw of future episodes the fighting is going to be much more exciting (theatrical) than the fight scenes in "Rome", which actually were very realistic (no Hollywood fancy 2 people kill 500 enemies), and gritty. That is all well and good, the realistic fights, but really the scenes from "300" of the Spartans destroying piles of enemies all the while pulling off these fancy sword play moves makes for more visually exciting fights, and brings about a lot more drama in the fight. I find that reviewing a film, maybe it doesn't have a great dramatic story as in the plot, but if it's a full out action movie the drama is usually in the actual combat.

So, in conclusion I have high hopes for the future of this series. I may have gave it a much higher score than I felt the opening episode deserved, but I felt the need to counter the low reviews that have thus far been posted. It is well worth watching, as the action intensifies in the following weeks and the sex which is going to be a huge appeal for most men (it is very near softcore porn, but with a realistic feel to it). As a matter of fact the sex scenes that I have saw are much more believable and sexy than most XXX movies, so there ya go, your price of admission right there. I think the actors will improve, and the characters will have some development, more so than you'd get from this type of movie that is compressed into a 90 to 140 minute time frame. It will seem slow at first, and pick up in intensity. Be patient.

Small note and edit of my original review. "moselekm", another reviewer took my opening sentence out of context, then added some drivel about being children who watch WWE, etc.. This series IS NOT for children. No one under 16 really has any business watching this show especially for the sex and violence. Most 16 year olds etc.. can handle this or in this day and time have been subjected to much worse. As to the few jabs that moselekm took about us adults that did enjoy this, children are the ones that rush to insult, but it's definitely not indigenous to kid-world, adults can act like children in many unflattering ways, and can act like children in ways that are actually pretty complimentary. But I think that watching an approved television program and liking it is not a character flaw of it's own, but insulting other's for a different view point, especially on matters that are of no consequence, that is the person that wears the red ringed socks, etc..etc.. This show may be low-brow, senseless violence, sex, etc.., but how many movies programs really have meaning, other than to kill time in between a gap in work and family duty. This is not a show for a family, that's for sure, your children under 16 to 17 shouldn't be allowed to watch it, and your wife probably isn't going to love it. Well, maybe if she enjoys WWE of course. LMAO. Decent show, very overanalyzed thus far. You're gonna like it or loath it, adult or otherwise.

WoW!

[tacojew22 · 10/10 · 23 January 2010]

If you like action, hot-naked women, and are obsessed with Roman History this is the show for you. The CGI is absolutely insane; it intensifies the action ten fold. This show is the Gladiator meets 300, mixed with HBO's Rome. The show is so good it was renewed for a second season, before it even aired. Now if your looking for a classic reenactment of Roman behavior, this probably isn't the show for you. But once again this show is filled with blood, boobs, and CGI. Sometimes you need a break from thought provoking shows like Dexter, Criminal Minds, and Fringe. This show is a great release from reality; it will make want to hurt and fornicate. Hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

Very good film

[salmankhan-76228 · 10/10 · 10 December 2019]

Yes, very nice film is no problem the film is very good

It's okay

[rico_scp · 7/10 · 12 April 2010]

There are two sides to this mini series. I just watched the first 3 episodes and there is one thing that I really like and one thing that I really love about this.

The graphics are terribly bad, they should have really put more time into certain things (e.g. the blood, the panoramic views) However I love Roman stories and this story is kind of fun so that's why I decided to view the other episodes too.

So if you don't mind that the graphics aren't that good and you like ancient Roman stories (it reminds me of the TV series Rome), then this is a cool series to watch!

The Red Serpent

[Scarecrow-88 · 4/10 · 22 January 2010]

A warrior from the village of Thracia, along with his men are recruited by a Roman army to combat the barbaric Geteans. Rome plan to exploit their skills to the fullest, and when "Spartacus", and those alongside him, defies their command to engage a separate enemy, all hell breaks loose..Roman blood is spilt and the Thracian soldiers are held responsible. This is when Spartacus returns to his beloved Sura, saving her from rape and murder at the hands of some Getean barbarians. But, he can not save his village or keep the Romans from kidnapping Sura. Along with several of the men he fought with in battle, Spartacus is shackled, taken in the Adriatic across the sea to Capua, to be victimized in the gladiatorial arena by well trained, and heavily armored, warriors. But, unlike his people, Spartacus surprises the Romans by surviving four men with only a sword and revenge motivating his efforts to remain standing alone and alive. Spared by Senator Albanius, Spartacus will be "purchased" by a "supplier", Batiatus, and prepared for future gladiatorial fights.

Kind of Starz answer to HBO's Rome, and modeled in style and look after Zach Snyder's 300. Surprisingly gratuitous in it's depiction of amorality and violence. We see the political intrigue and treatment of the powerful Roman army in comparison to the small Thracian people, how dogged warriors, braving the elements, are cast into the bloody front lines while their superiors lag behind allowing them to do the dirty work. We know that Sura and Spartacus will be split apart due to the very opening scene showing him bound in chains awaiting his time in the center of the arena, the crowd in attendance cheering on with adulation, hungry for brutality and death.

We see how Romans like Batiatus(John Hannah)and Solonius(Craig Walsh Wrightson)vie for Albinius' attention and good graces, dueling over who provides the best men for the required entertainment within the Capua arena..their exchanges(..Batiatus' wife, Lucretia, played by Lucy Lawless, is always by his side)are clever swipes at each other over who is the better "agent". We get some soft-core sex between Spartacus(Andy Whitfield)and his wife Sura(Erin Cummings), both look as if they were models plucked from a Maxim/GQ add, and Viva Bianca(as Ilithya, the precocious daughter of Senator Albinius, and the wife of a commander under his lead, Claudius Glaber, portrayed by Craig Parker, concerned about her husband's standing with pops and the Roman people)drops her furs to expose her magnificent naked body. It is established the importance of appealing to Albinius' favor, and the methods behind those striving for his affections. Whitfield is cut, his body chiseled appropriately for the part, and Cummings is his equal, glamored up(..but toned and tough) despite her peasant character.

The reliance on CGI is insane. I found the effects rather terrible, particularly the CGI blood, the obvious animated crowds in the arena, and the back drops..I hope those in charge do a better job in the coming episodes of better presenting their world more realistically. The slow motion is numbingly overblown..combats between persons speed up and slow down showing bodies in the midst of battle, torn asunder, computer blood spilling all over the place in embarrassing fashion. Hilarious disclaimer at the beginning specifying the importance of presenting this period of time in a realistic way, but we know this is only an excuse to show plenty of naked women, sex, and graphic violence. I see potential if there's not a complete dependence on CGI, but something tells me that will not be the case. I think a problem is that so many movies, like Gladiator and 300, have come before this, and the plot really offers nothing we haven't seen before..it'll be interesting to see what direction this show will go in the coming weeks. The Red Serpent of the title refers to a troubling dream Sura had before Spartacus went to battle, the image later appearing on a gladiator's shield.

It is what it is

[Siamois · 4/10 · 24 January 2010]

The new Spartacus television series is already polarizing opinions, many thinking it is either genius or garbage. It's pretty early for a pronouncement on the whole series but this episode was pretty much as advertised.

Visually, this is very much what was seen in the previews. A direction that mimics 300 as closely as possible stylistically, without really understanding what Zach Snyder was doing or why. The fact it's a television show probably also limited time and money compared to a movie experience. Everything you've seen in 300 is there in theory, though. Model-like actors, slow-motions, surrealistic bluescreen backgrounds for landscape shots, color correction, etc... Unfortunately, none of it is as well done as 300 but if you loved that stuff in the movie, you may enjoy the visuals here.

Story-wise, we're in classic theory. The story of Spartacus, the movie Gladiator are obvious influences here, along with some nods again to 300. The basic plot should be simple and effective but unfortunately, the script in this particular episode was really weak. Some of the lines are downright embarrassing. We're definitely not in HBO Rome quality of dialogue. There's an old cinema feel of obviousness in most lines and plot points and you've seen all of this before.

Acting-wise is really another fairly weak spot. Andy Whitfield is barely getting by in the title role. Most of the others are embarrassingly bad, especially the female actors. Erin Cummings recites her lines and it's tough to buy the love between Sura and Spartacus. They sure can pretend to get laid, though and do that very well! Viva Bianca, much like Cummings, is another actress who seems to have gotten the part simply based on her looks and shows absolutely no acting ability whatsoever.

These acting weaknesses make it tough to take Blood and Sand very seriously. The bright spot in this episode was the ever-reliable John Hannah. Hannah and Lucy Lawless had very few screen time in this episode but I expect much of the intrigue (and actor heavy work) will come from these two. THis could make the series more interesting as a result.

So, what are you left with? Spartacus is fairly entertaining if you are a nut for antiquity-based movie/television and like epic Hollywood action. Unfortunately, the highly stylized nature of Spartacus may look very appealing right now but this is not a series that will age very well compared to others. Rome, for instance, may look much less flashy than this stuff but 10 years from now, will not look like a bad Rick Astley video clip. Spartacus on the other hand may very well end up with that fate.

It's still cool, but a little too CGI heavy. Hard not to laugh when Spartacus sticks a trident in some gladiator's back and a bloodbath that rivals "The Shining" ensues. But if you're there to enjoy highly stylized fights and polished scenes of pretty actors making out, this might entertain you. Comparisons to HBO's Rome are not only unfair but useless. They are totally different beasts and aim to entertain differently. Watch Blood and Sand for what it is.

I'm hoping the story and acting picks up and that later episodes will adjust the CGI effects a little. If not, I may lose interest despite all the chrome and polish.

what a shame...

[Kaaazingg_47 · 5/10 · 22 January 2010]

I, like many people, was very much looking forward to this mini series..the trailer had huge potential, and after films like 300 and Gladiator, you would think that the creators would have much to work with. But, unfortunately, the result was incredibly lame..and here's why: acting - sub par at best..lines were presented half ass and didn't show emotion that is necessary for an epic of this scale.

action scenes - amateurishly shot. now here is where 300 comes in..because anyone could tell that they took what was made in that movie and threw it into this one..but with terrible results..i have never seen a more obvious studio room setting since the old horror movies from the 1920s. im sorry, but slow motion every half a second and CGI blood slatters do not a good story make.

thats really all there was to it..action and acting..for those into costumes and the like, there is much to enjoy looking at. but other than that..a huge disappointment of a first episode..and i can only speculate that the coming episodes will be just as lame. the hour i watched was like watching every scene from 300 thrown into a smaller time limit, with worse acting and worse direction. oh..and there is plenty of sex. shot exactly like the scene in 300. jeez..this is pretty much the poor mans 300. enough ranting for me, but cmon people, be more creative than that.

CGI stuff of fake breast and pathos.

[elmardavid · 3/10 · 30 June 2012]

CGI stuff of fake breast and pathos. Great story badly acted and even worse cast. I doubt women in BC ages looked like the Playboy bunnies, and sounded like soap opera hags. Not that much of real sand, but strange CGI blood splashes around like ... in a gay porn. The whole thing seem like a bad violence pornography. In 300 it looked like art, and here it looks like one just badly imitated... One gets to appreciate the HBO even more. The only good thing about it is that they try to make something adult and real, even though they do fail so miserably. Nothing seems to be real, the dialogs are stale and without any wit. Even the older actors look unprepared and tired, just going trough the motions to get the paycheck. I don't mind sex, heck I love it, and I am not bothered by violence if I care about the cause, but here it is just so dull, and stale and uninspired... So sad...

Just plain awful.

[causeswindle · 1/10 · 24 January 2010]

I hate to say this because I know a lot of peoples time, creativity and energy went into making this but, that's what these sites are for.

I'll keep it simple. It looked cheap, with terrible CGI and over stylized lighting. The writing was bad (story and dialogue) and the acting was horrendous (by at least 90% of the actors). The actor who plays the Gladiator Trainer/Owner who only owns two slaves looks pretty promising. Everyone else was just pain awful (sorry guys)! I feel bad for the editor.

I mean, there seemed to be scenes where the Senator was suppose to be talking to a large crowd at a party and the ONLY people there were half-naked girls rolling around in the water and our main characters. At least cough up the dough for some extras to stand around in wardrobe nodding their head.

Sorry... it's no Rome(HBO), Gladiator, 300 or Spartacus(the film).

No More CGI - Please!

[qormi · 4/10 · 24 January 2010]

I thought the episode's take on the brutality and immorality of Rome was probably accurate. The faces in the crowd at the arena seemed all too real in their bloodlust. The dialogue was interesting - I'm sure people used the same kind of profanity then as they do now. The scenes where Spartacus the Thracian warrior does battle seemed in need of more extras. It looked more like a gang fight involving about a dozen combatants. The fights in the arena were very well done. I don't know how easy it was to shear off arms and legs , but if the sword was heavy enough and sharp enough; and if the gladiator was strong enough; I guess it was possible -Not!!- those legs were shorn off like a steak knife through a peeled banana.. Good acting. One thing - don't have battles in the snow if the soldiers are dressed for summer. I'm sure they must have had furs and leggings back then. Also, too much CGI (computer generated images). I hated "300" for that. I felt like I was watching a video game. Also, the lighting was terrible. Cheap production.

Don't waste your time.

[lazysunday08 · 3/10 · 22 January 2010]

The title of the show says it all: BLOOD and SAND.

This show is most likely geared towards males who love watching nothing but blood, sex, and fighting. If you're into exaggerated blood spatter effects, gratuitous sex scenes (bad ones, at that), or random modern profanity in historical shows, this might be the best show for you to watch.

All others, don't waste your time watching. Unless you're desperate. In that case, I'd suggest watching some other mindless reality show instead.

Despite all that, you might be curious as to why I've given 3 stars to this show. You see, it's because of my partiality to John Hannah. Yes, I love John Hannah. But, sorry, I don't love him enough to continue watching this terrible show.

Thank you, Starz, for coming up with a bad copycat of Rome, and for inspiring me to submit my very first review.

Mind-blowing bad.

[thesethan · 2/10 · 13 February 2013]

A pitiful starting episode for a new series, with no introduction of the story behind the concept. If you are not familiar with the history of the zone and era,this movie won't make you click.If you know the history you'll be shocked of the lengths to which the movie "invents" that history.And while not meant to be a documentary, I find it in poor taste to be so promiscuous when it comes to actual facts. This episode has a script filled with cheesy lines and sex scenes.I bet there are out there porn productions with less sex in them. The backgrounds are dull, shadowed to full extent to cover up the lack of talent in creating a scene.When it comes to special effects, some movies use them to divert the attention from a bad storyline.In this case, I see that these effects are even worse than the storyline, all in all leaving nothing behind but a bitter taste and an bar set so low,it is impossible for me to fathom wasting another second watching any future releases.

Garbage

[alex_2754 · 1/10 · 23 August 2021]

The CGI is horrible. Slow motion for every kill. Looks fake as. I will no longer watch this series. Netflix recommended as a mix of gladiator and Vikings, this is horrid.

Potentially and graphically

[zaphod_german · 2/10 · 23 January 2010]

This series - more exactly the pilot - shows a lot of potential in the story department for the series. Wit potential I mean, it's not restricted in any way, yet.

I haven't seen HBO's Rome yet, therefore I might be less tired of this kind of shows than my fore-reviewers. But I'm not new to computer generated imagery and that is what you can get tired of in this episode.

These effects are firstly a bit of a copy of Tarantino's Kill Bill and way to exaggerated and frequent. The everlasting and ever occurring sunsets/sunrises (including a low sun always SEEN on the horizon, kind of blinding the audience) draw the viewers attention away from actors and story as well as the swords or weaponry slashing through flesh and bone in slow motion. Further does the evenly lit foreground fit too well into the overly artificial seeming backdrops.

This much importance laid on graphics (importance not quality) let me fear there's not much of a story to look forward to.

In the age of HD (full or otherwise) the naturally recorded/filmed images do not seem very natural. So as a filmmaker I would rather turn down the amount of CGI in order to let my work convince.

To sum up: It might be a great show, if the plot lines are not too foreseeable and the CGI department goes outside sometime to see what a real world looks like.

The Red Serpent

[Prismark10 · 4/10 · 7 May 2020]

I doubt Stanley Kubrick or Kirk Douglas would be losing sleep over this.

The first episode is a cross between 300, Gladiator and Rome.

Spartacus and his villagers joins the Roman to kill the barbarians that periodically attack them. After being betrayed by the Romans, he finds himself taken to a gladiatorial stadium to do battle.

After seeing his fellow villagers being slayed by more powerful warriors, it is his turn enter the arena.

The first episode is told in flashbacks to establish the character of Spartacus and his beef with the Romans.

The Executive Producer is Sam Raimi. This is Hercules and Xena with swearing, strong violence and CGI with claims to serious storytelling. It is still campy as hell.

There is also a lot of nudity but it is all done for genuine artistic purposes (honestly!)

It only comes on its own with the violence in the gladiatorial arena so the fake CGI blood can flow freely.

Utter garbage

[pdavis68-1 · 1/10 · 16 February 2010]

If you're into exaggerated blood, guts, no story, and gratuitous sex scenes, then this show might be for you. Then again, therapy might also be right for you. I would honestly be concerned about the mental health of anyone who enjoys this show, certainly if the pilot is any indication of what's to come.

There is no real story. The characters are without depth. The blood is so overdone, I keep expecting it to come shooting out of the TV and splash me. It's beyond ridiculous.

Whereas HBO and Showtime can produce real quality shows with real stories and real actors, like Big Love, Rome, Dexter, Deadwood, etc, Starz has done nothing but produce one piece of garbage after another. This one was so bad, it may be 5 years before I'm even willing to give anything they do a chance.

We were wrong! We were so Wrong!

[moselekm · 2/10 · 24 January 2010]

That is - if you knew this show would suck, then you were right. But the lot of us seemed pretty pumped for this sack of crap.

I can't legitimately give this thing anything higher. This show is just horrible. Some guy said "If you watch UFC, you'll like this." This is false. Perhaps if you watch UFC and still watch WWE, yes, you will like this. But at the same time, you're too young to watch this show, let alone stay up that late. This show is like a parody of 300 and an extension of how horrible 10,000 BC is. Let's investigate.

The story takes place in Greece state, Thrace, where the Roman army requests help from the abused Tracians to repel the Gattai barbaric army. Some kid, who I am not even sure is the leader, but is certainly a horrible actor speaks up. The Roman Commander and the 'horrible actor' come to terms for the Thracian people to ally with the Roman Axillary so long as they extinguish the Gattai from the lands COMPLETELY. Now, this isn't uncommon for the Romans to agree to these things, however some of the following parts are not too accurate.

Needless to say the Romans betray the Thracians and decide to instead take the army to fight another army besides the Gattai. So the 'horrible actor' kills the Harald (issuing the orders) and decides to head off the Gattai army in hopes of stopping them before they can reach his city (which he already said was 3 days AHEAD of them, so how his small troop had a chance, is beyond me).

I'll stop there. But anyone that passed 10th grade world history will realize a lot of the things in the show are very inaccurate. You may be a person who likes to receive inaccurate things in television to 'increase the entertainment value'. However, I find sticking to reality of history is way more appealing than making your own garbage up.

As far as the ACTION-SEQUENCES, they are pretty brutal. Brutal in the sense they parody 300 to the point it's insulting and way past any point of general 'man-entertainment'. If having random slow-motion every 3 seconds is awesome to you, then please, watch this. But I liked 300 and thought that 300's slow motion was used in good taste. This slows down for EVERYTHING. To top it off, about a gallon of blood spews out of everyone every time (3 seconds) slow motion initiates. If you think this is cool after 20 times... Then I am afraid there is no hope for you.

To top it all off, no one seems to be touched by blood. The main guy, the 'horrible actor' has a massive gash on his back, but no blood is even coming from the cash or shows signs of ever bleeding. If that's not enough, this guys milks blood out of everyone around him and no one seems to be touched by blood. I was waiting for a slow motion sequence of the guy matrix-dodging the blood droplets.

In conclusion, I was hyped for this and was sorely disappointed. If you liked 300, Sin City, Gladiator, or any of those movies that had a good mix of surrealism, violence, characters, story, and realism (and where it counts: historical-accuracy), watch the first episode, just to laugh. Because we know it sucks. If you still wear those PJ's with connected socks and suck on your thumb while watching WWE, you're gonna wanna see this. But please. PLEASE. Ask permission from your parents first.