GERARD BUTLER - EPIC 300 BRINGS SUMMER EARLY TO HOLLYWOOD

EPIC 300 BRINGS SUMMER EARLY TO HOLLYWOOD

Hollywood war epic 300 has snatched the title of the year's most popular film so far, with opening weekend takings of $70 million (£36 million) in the US.

The film tells the bloody story of the ancient Battle of Thermopylae, in which 300 Spartans take on a huge Persian army, and has proved a massive success in the States.

However, critics have argued that Hollywood's take on yet another ancient European historical legend means the truth is lost behind glossy computer-generated effects and a slick, 21st century style.

Nevertheless, Americans are mopping up the blood-soaked movie, which is set to have the highest ever ticket sales for a March release.

"Summer came a little early, because this is a summer-style opening,'' said Paul Dergarabedian, president of box-office tracker Media By Numbers.

The film stars GERARD BUTLER as Leonidas, the king who leads his men against the insurmountable odds in 480 BC to repel the invading Persian forces from Greece, and is based on the graphic comics of FRANK MILLER who also provided the inspiration for SIN CITY.