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A lot of critics didn't like this film: ah, fuck em'. Clash of the Titans, the new one, not the one from the 1980s, is a fun, energy-filled, imaginative CGI-ride through Greek Mythology, though the same could be said of the original when it came out in 1981. Today's version follows the same general plot of the first Clash of The Titans (1981), which starred Harry Hamlin. This one however features that dude from Avatar, Sam Worthington, who now seems comfortable flying winged fantasy creatures.
Worthington is Perseus, son of Zeus. Zeus is angry at the people on Earth and has chosen to buddy up with his old bro Hades. They plan to punish the humans so that they will see the need for the Gods. This plan doesn't go over so well with the Zeus' son Perseus who is a "demigod" - half god, half human. In fact, he is sort of tired of the Dad's mythological shenanigans.
Hades convinces Zeus it is time to "Release the Kraken" a phrase that has now been somewhat adopted into pop culture. The Kraken is a massive, ugly SOB that will destroy a city by the sea unless the denizens sacrifice some hot broad to assuage the gods.
On a winged horse, Perseus shows up ready to kick some god ass. He has a good head on his shoulders, well, two heads on his shoulders as he carries the head of Medusa in a bag (Hmm, Medusa-In-A-Bag: sounds like a Dollar Store for the Greek Gods?). The idea is turn the Kraken to stone and throw one big mythological FU up to Zeus and his boys (and gals) parading around up in Mt. Olympus living high on the nectar.
Hey, I liked much of the visual imagery in this film. It was very creative. The effects are done well. In particular, I like the snake like slithering qualities they gave Medusa. My daughter, who watched this flick with me (she is 7), liked how Medusa got mad when the dead dude couldn't be turned to ston; She repeatedly snapped her head saying "talk to the snakes."
I alluded to this next point. The action in this movie is suitable for kids. In fact, it is almost a kids type of movie like that Percy Jackson film. But, in that regards, it is a good movie. I grew up loving the Titans from 1981. This is a good update and is faithful to the original.
Lastly, I have to give a shout out to Pete Postlethwaite , who had a minor role as Perseus' step dad I guess. This great actor passed away in Jan. 2011. I am inclined to agree with Steven Spielberg who said Pete was "...the Best Actor in the world." I am not sure if anyone could live up to that billing, but look how thorough he threw himself into every role he has played. He is forever Mr. Kobayashi to me, the emissary for Kaiser Soze.
The funny thing is that Titans features another relatively cool actor who has enjoyed a lot of silver screen in recent years: Liam Neeson, most excellent in Taken. He makes a pretty good flowing robe and bearded Zeus.
Yes this film is somewhat childish and I could give a flying shit what it looks like in 3D, but in the realm of the imagination, the Greek gods still captivate the imagination all the way from Mt. Olympus to the river Styx. This film captures that well. If you still think this film is stupid, compare it to Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightening Thief (2010), that is its main competition, not your know-it-all, high horse, cinematic snob films. Interestingly, this is one movie that DOES preach from a high horse, only it has wings and it's name is "Pegasus." Now go stuff that up your Kraken.
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