Warriors up for action-packed sequel

Rotorua's Reading Cinemas staff Greg Johnson (front), Karim Nepia (left), Ethan Gordon and Nicole Madams will transform into Spartan warriors at the opening of the latest 300 film. Photo / Ben Fraser

Swords, armour and bronzed biceps will be on show at the upcoming opening of 300: Rise of an Empire.

Rotorua's Reading Cinemas will be celebrating the release of the fantasy action film, the sequel to the popular 300, on March 6.

Three hundred tickets will be available for the opening event, for which the cinemas will be decorated and staff decked out in Spartan costumes.

Cinema complex manager Ethan Gordon said the event was an exciting chance for Rotorua 300 fans to dress up like Spartans, have a good time and be in to win prizes.

"I think it's going to be a lot of fun," he said.

"We haven't put on a night like this for a while so we want to show everyone that we're still fun, we still do fun and exciting things."

Mr Gordon encouraged people interested in buying tickets to buy them early as they were selling fast.

Every ticket sold will come with a goody bag, which will give cinemagoers free entry into the Lava Bar afterparty and the chance to win a prize pack, he said.

The movie is a follow-up to the 2007 film, taking place before, during, and after the events of 300. The cast will include such names as Sullivan Stapleton, Eva Green, Callan Mulvey, Hans Matheson and Jack O'Connell.

Mr Gordan, a self-confessed 300 fanatic, expected the movie to be action-packed and thrilling.

"It's going to be full of action, with all the blood and gore that made the first one so good."

Cinema worker Karim Nepia said he was excited to step into his Spartan sandals for the event. "We've all got our costumes sorted. The women's costumes are cool. But ours, they're more like dresses, but it'll still be fun." He said many staff members were fans.

Tickets are available from www.readingcinemas.co.nz or from Reading Cinemas in Eruera St. For more information visit Reading Cinema Rotorua's Facebook page.