Best Comic Book Adaptation:

300

Based on the epic graphic novel by Frank Miller, 300 is director Zack Snyder's highly-stylized retelling of the ancient Battle of Thermopylae in which King Leonidas (Gerard Butler) and 300 Spartans fought to the death against Xerxes and his massive Persian army. Facing insurmountable odds, their valor and sacrifice inspire all of Greece to unite against their Persian enemy, drawing a line in the sand for democracy. The film brings Miller's acclaimed graphic novel to life by combining live-action with virtual backgrounds that capture his distinct vision of this ancient historic tale. You want unflinchingly gruesome battle scenes? You got 'em. Snyder even throws in a few decapitations for good measure. And how about some of the coolest big-screen eye-candy in recent memory? Then 300 is your movie with its painting-come-to-life imagery. The silhouette of the Spartan elders' temple against a cloud-stained moon; the spectacle of dead bodies in the shape of a great, gnarled hand reaching out of scorched soil; more than one extended shot of the Spartans laying waste to their adversaries as the camera changes speeds, zooms and shifts focus to keep up; and the pristine and breathtaking shadow of a lone spear as it ascends a stairwell towards its designated target. 300 is the ultimate comic book adaptation!