Meet the Spartans

Meet the Spartans is a parody film directed by Jason Friedberg and Aaron Seltzer, released in 2008. The movie is a comedic take on the 2006 film 300, which is a historical epic dramatization of the Battle of Thermopylae, where a small force of Spartans led by King Leonidas fought against the invading Persian army. The film begins with a comedic take on the opening credits of 300, featuring a montage of various historical figures and fictional characters making fun appearances, including a cameo by Paris Hilton as the hunchbacked heiress, who is more concerned with taking selfies and getting a good tan than actually fighting. Meanwhile, Leonidas, played by Sean Maguire, is introduced as the fearless and flamboyant leader of the Spartans. Leonidas assembles his team of 13 Spartans, which includes a variety of eccentric and comedic characters, each with their own unique talents and personalities. There's a Spartacus-like character (played by Kevin Sorbo), a guy with a bad haircut (played by Christopher Walken), a guy with a really high-pitched voice (played by Travis Schuldt), and a Spartans guy played by Carmen Electra. The team is set to prepare for an epic battle against the Persian army led by King Xerxes I, the ruler of the empire. As the story unfolds, Monty Python-esque absurdity ensues as the Spartans encounter a series of bizarre and humorous challenges as they journey towards the Hot Gates of Thermopylae, a narrow pass where they plan to engage the Persian army. Along the way, they meet an assortment of pop culture figures, including Al Pacino as a tough trainer, Drowning Pool as the team's motivational band, and a cameo by the Fonz from Happy Days, who's still cool, and therefore has no problems in the heat of the battle. Upon reaching the Hot Gates, the Spartans set up their defenses, which include an impressive but ridiculous-looking Spartan-style battle wall, and prepare for the battle ahead. As the Persians arrive, the Spartans face off against a series of wacky and over-the-top adversaries, including the Transformers, the Ghost Rider, and even Paris Hilton, who proves to be a more formidable foe than expected, armed with a pair of fluffy kittens and an endless supply of selfies. The comedic showdown that follows is an epic and action-packed sequence of ridiculous battles and gags, with the Spartans battling the Persians with ridiculous tactics and gadgets. From a giant catapult that shoots flaming sheep to the Spartans' trusty "300"-style shields, which suddenly become giant frisbees, no amount of absurdity or inanity is off-limits. Meanwhile, Xerxes, played by Cary Elwes, is obsessed with beating the Spartans and achieving his goal of invading and conquering Greece. He uses his cunning and magical abilities to turn the battle in his favor, but not before being foiled by the team of unlikely Spartans. Ultimately, the battle for Thermopylae comes down to the courage and tenacity of the Spartans, led by Leonidas, against the seemingly unstoppable force of the Persians, and their endless pop culture reinforcements. In the end, the Spartans prove that even with all the odds stacked against them, a group of 13 brave warriors can make a real difference. Meet the Spartans is a hilarious parody of 300, full of slapstick humor, witty one-liners, and a healthy dose of absurdity. It's a movie that knows what made 300 a hit – its epic scope and bravado – and turns it on its head, making fun of the very things that made the film successful in the first place. With its offbeat humor, hilarious pop culture references, and an irreverent spirit, this comedy is the perfect companion piece to 300, making it a wildly entertaining and memorable ride from start to finish.