A unique visual style does not by itself make a good film. That pretty much sums up the argument against 300, the 21st entry in our collection of contentious films. But perhaps a boldly unique visual style at least makes a film worth seeing. 300 was of 2007′s “event” movies, which you kind of felt obligated to endure, regardless of your interest level. It has almost equal numbers of defenders and haters, which explains its high FCQ of 47.62 (FCQ = Film Contentiousness Quotient: details here).

Style over substance? Definitely. An adaptation of Frank Miller’s graphic novel, 300 doesn’t bother itself too much with historical or visual accuracy. But that doesn’t matter to its legions of supporters — nor does the almost complete lack of a plot and possibly racist political undertones. But to many viewers, these shortcomings mattered a great deal. Critics, too, were almost evenly split about the film.

So let’s settle it. 300: great or terrible? I’m going to throw my hat into the latter category; I found it almost as tedious as it was offensive.

300

• Great! (62%, 31 Votes)
• Terrible! (38%, 19 Votes)

Total Voters: 50

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Here are a couple battling opinions from Criticker users.

krytonix: “Mythologized story of the 300 spartans. Despite the hype, it was still crap-my-pants entertaining and I was simply unable to look away at any point during this movie. I thought the simple yet emotionally evocative story and dialogue were enough for the stunning visuals to stand on. That’s all I was hoping for, and it fully delivered.”

Manhatta: “Another perfect adaption of a misogynistic, juvenile Frank Miller book. With added homophobia, as well. It looks just like the pages, and Gerard Butler gives a great Bill the Butcher impression, but the fight scenes got old quick, the rape scene was shameful, and everything else was tedious.”

Last week, you voted on Star Wars III: Revenge of the Sith, and Mr. Lucas will be pleased to learn that the final film in his much derided prequel trilogy has earned the Criticker community’s seal of approval.

And here’s our up-to-date list of the top 10 most contentious films at Criticker:

1. Across the Universe – FCQ 57.96 – Poll Result: GREAT!
2. Eyes Wide Shut – FCQ 56.05 – Poll Result: GREAT!
3. The Rocky Horror Picture Show – FCQ 53.21 – Poll Result: GREAT!
4. Stay – FCQ 52.7 – Poll Result: GREAT!
5. Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith – FCQ 52.43 – Poll Result: GREAT!
6. The Butterfly Effect – FCQ 49.94 – Poll Result: GREAT!
7. Chicago – FCQ 49.71 – Poll Result: GREAT!
8. The Life of David Gale – FCQ 48.95 – Poll Result: TERRIBLE!
9. Dumb & Dumber – FCQ 48.21 – Poll Result: GREAT!
10. Brotherhood of the Wolf – FCQ 47.9 – Poll Result: GREAT!