CLASH OF THE TITANS (REVIEW)
Warning;
Another remake. Populating this spectacle are Olympian gods, mythological monsters
and heroic mortals in a busy film that has its moments of high entertainment.
As
a child, Perseus is banished away from his almighty father Zeus in an act of hatred.
The boy is rescued by a fisherman and looked after in a carefree environment.
Being raised by humans, Perseus insists he is one of them and learns traits of
strength, honour and dignity while among them.
Their happy
existence is interrupted by the arrival of a dark lord, Hades (Ralph Fiennes),
mad brother of Zeus, who decides to take out the seaside city of Argos for daring
to disrespect the gods. A water dwelling beast, known as The Kraken, is unleashed
upon the city leaving it in ruins and some of the inhabitants captive. Perseus
gets together with a ship of rouge freedom fighters and embarks on a quest to
find the missing Princess Andromeda and anyone else they can rescue for Mount
Olympus.
This is where the action kicks in as along the way,
many hurdles present themselves including a battle with giant scorpions, conversations
with oracular witches and the showdown with the baddest creature in the land,
snake haired Medusa. Her style is a combination of seduction and sadistic without
remorse. If her challenger's care to look her in the eye, they turn to stone.
The
digital effects onslaught with extremely loud sound effects of lightning bolts
clattering above the actors voices often make it hard to hear what they are actually
saying. The 3D effects have little effect also. There really is no need for them
as they simply do little to enhance the unfolding adventure.
Former
bricklayer, Sam Worthington, the now popular Australian actor is buff, not blue,
as he appeared in 'Avatar'! As Perseus, he becomes a man and hero to the people,
getting things done waving the sword around with a smirk on his face, even though
the film is almost devoid of any humour. Worthington fits the role perfectly -
his rise in Hollywood is prevailing.
This corny, but entertaining
movie also boasts Liam Neeson as Zeus, Ralph Fiennes as Hades and Danny Huston
as Poseidon. The female goddess quota is certainly looked after with former Bond
girl, Gemma Arterton as Lo, Jane March as Hestia and even a quite rightly, British
supermodel Agyness Deyn as Aphrodite.
The 1981 original has
since become a cult favourite for its stop motion special effects and unintentional
camp qualities. The new one also succeeded in the former. Arriving at Mount Olympus
resembled a weekend in Las Vegas. Showy strobe lights, fake Greek pillars and
an outfit worn by Zeus glittering so much, Liberence would be proud.
Overall,
'Clash of the Titans' is not that memorable. A popcorn time waster and a very
expensive kids movie perfect for the Easter school holidays.
Shane
A. Bassett
