Post by StevePulaski on Dec 31, 2010 18:47:59 GMT -5
Clash of the Titans showcases early eighties effects in a very unique fashion.
Rating: ★★½
Clash of the Titans isn't my kind of film. It's actions may consume the screen, Greek mythology isn't my area of expertise. That doesn't mean I didn't enjoy some of what it did have to offer. It's got great fun, exciting characters, a well developed stop-motion monster, and some catchy music. The one problem I found was it's a bit slow in terms of story line. While the film doesn't consistently rely on intense action scenes, there are some dialog scenes that were just droning and hard to get into unless you enjoy the subject. For an average guy like me, it wasn't fun listening to Greek speak.
The effects do justice in this film. The Kraken is perfectly depicted in this film, thanks to special effect genius Ray Harryhausen. I really love the way the monster is stop motion, unlike in the more recent version it's just CGI. CGI WAS around in 1981. The first film to utilize in it's full capabilities was Disney's Tron in 1982, followed by The Last Starfighter in 1984. Of course there were some films to use it between the year gap, but those were the big ones. CGI wasn't like it was now. Films only used it if they couldn't due without it. Clash of the Titans uses one of my favorite styles of animation; stop-motion animation. A tiring, yet rewarding process in the film world.
The storyline, was confusing to me, but I'll do my best to explain it. Perseus (Hamlin) who is now in the city of Joppa, thanks to the God Zeus (Olivier). In Joppa, Perseus falls in love with Princess Andromeda (Nowker) who is imprisoned. Perseus desperately wants a relationship with this girl, but Joppa sends Andromeda to be fed to The Kraken, a sea monster who is the last Titan. Now Perseus needs to find the Medusa head to use it to freeze The Kraken, and rescue Andromeda.
That was a mouthful. As far to my knowledge, the film stays pretty much true to the original story of Perseus. I have not found anything missing or incorrect when reading the Greek mythology portion about him as well. So as being true to it's story, COTT definitely gets a thumbs up there.
After a while, the movie becomes a tiny bit of an annoyance. Maybe because I'm not into the film as much as others, but I didn't find it too exciting. The end scene, on the other hand, is very well developed. The scene where Perseus flys on Pegasus is extremely entertaining. The whole ending is where the movie takes off, and begins to have fun with itself.
Clash of the Titans is for a designated audience. I did enjoy parts of the film, but as a whole, I didn't care too much. I'll watch it in a few years, and hopefully get more out of it. But for now, I'll open a book, and read about Perseus rather than watch this. The effects make the movie. But when you're hoping for a shot of The Kraken or another action scene to appear, doesn't that meant you aren't enjoying the movie itself? Just a thought.
Starring: Laurence Olivier, Harry Hamlin, Judi Bowker, Maggie Smith, and Ursula Andress. Directed by: Desmond Davis.