Movie Review: Clash of the Titans

Date: 1 Apr 10
Time: 9:10
Location: GV Grand
Kaki: The ALH Breakfast Club
Rating: 3 stars
Language: English (with Chinese Subtitles)

Synopsis:
In Clash of the Titans, the ultimate struggle for power pits men against kings and kings against gods. But the war between the gods themselves could destroy the world. Born of a god but raised as a man, Perseus (Sam Worthington) is helpless to save his family from Hades (Ralph Fiennes), vengeful god of the underworld. With nothing left to lose, Perseus volunteers to lead a dangerous mission to defeat Hades before he can seize power from Zeus (Liam Neeson) and unleash hell on earth. Leading a daring band of warriors, Perseus sets off on a perilous journey deep into forbidden worlds. Battling unholy demons and fearsome beasts, he will only survive if he can accept his power as a god, defy his fate and create his own destiny.

Review:
Hmm.... hmm.... well, to start off, I was glad I watched it in 2D. So that I didn't waste money on non-effects for 3D. Have to thank my movie kaki for it, since they had done their research and knew that it was not a "made for 3D" movie. So for those reading it, and who have not watched, dump the 3D. Go straight for 2D if you want to catch this movie at the cinema.

Okay... I have to confess upfront, I did not watch the older version of Clash of the Titans, so this was just another Greek Mythology movie to me. I game a lot on "Zeus" and "Age of Mythology" so I am quite aware of this particular era.

Casting of Sam Worthington (although I really love this actor to bits) was wrong. He has a modern face that doesn't gel very well with this setting, but one can live with it. Casting of Liam Neeson in my opinion was a total error, as he doesn't possess the build that one would associate with Zeus. Zeus needs to be the God of all Gods! He needs to have PRESENCE! Compare the image below: From left, a very typical depiction of Zeus in art form. Followed by Laurence Olivier in the 1981 version of Clash of the Titans, followed by Liam Neeson in this 2010 version.

Can you spot the difference? HE NEEDS WHITE HAIR, and to actually be older to look the part! :D Anyway... truth is, an older man with stronger built would have been more apt. For some reason, I think Sean Connery would have made a better Zeus (accent aside)... And he really needs a toga.. I don't care if it's cliche... shiny armour was the pits!!! My biggest peeve in the whole movie!

The story was cool, and about the coolest thing that happened was Hades, cuz I think Ralph Fiennes did a great job and the Pergasus (flying horse).

Story was okay, but this is an age-old myth, and most would know the story. It's like expecting a twist from Alice in Wonderland, and then crying foul that they have not followed the storyline when there is. It's a story that we all know... so there's no complaining that it's a boring storyline.

The playout of personality and characters could have been stronger. I don't know, can't quite put my finger on it, but this movie was just a little lacking in something. It's a good production, don't get me wrong, but maybe it was just found wanting by just a little in the dialogue, the pacing, the cast, the costuming (oh god, shiny armour!) and the cinematography, all these little bits add up to a somehow sub-par movie.

Maybe LOTR and Avatar set the standards too high for audiences... the world, their language, the setting, the cast must bring us, the audience, into a world and although all rational thoughts point towards the fact that there is no such thing, we are drawn into this fantastical world where we believe, on some other planet, or sometime in the past, such a world could actually exist. and for at least 2-3 hours in the theatre, we believe it to be real. 3 stars max.

For effects and just a jolly good time, go ahead and catch the movie... it's still a good one. Just don't expect to come out of the movie totally blown away.