Friday, April 9, 2010
By Jessica Clemens
Staff Writer
In movies today, viewers expect to find anything from death-defying stunts to romance to action. Watching “The Clash of the Titans,” most viewers simply find themselves lost.
Although “Clash of the Titans” had unbelievable cinematography and spectacular visual special effects, including sets and mythical monsters, it lacked a certain pizazz, and viewers will be left wondering why they spent $11.50 to see a dull remake of an older movie (1981’s cinematic adventure of the same title).
The film tells the story of Perseus (Sam Worthington), who is a “demi god,” or half-mortal-half-god, and who is actually the son of Zeus (Liam Neeson). After having his human family taken from him by Hades (Ralph Fiennes), Perseus sets out on a quest to save the Greek city of Argos, where a war is about to explode between man and god.
Though Perseus has no special tie to anyone of Argos, he is willing to risk his life in order to save them.
Perseus is faced with many perils, from giant scorpions to the devastating Kraken. Along the way he struggles with accepting the gods’ blood in him. He wants nothing to do with the gods. Through his many trials and tribulations, he realizes that he must accept who is his to save the lives of others.
The fact that Perseus was a half-god was a significant thematic element in the film because it was the gods that made the people want to wage war, yet in the end of the film it is a demi god who saves them.
The most positive aspects of the film were the grandiose, excellent CGI effects. Director Louis Leterrier captivates his audience with his special-effects creations, such as the Kraken and Medusa.
Worthington’s mesmerizing performance as Jake Sully in “Avatar” enthralled audiences, but his performance in his role as Perseus just couldn’t compete. Though he was very believable as a character, he didn’t connect with viewers on the same level that he connected with viewers of “Avatar.”
Neeson portrays Zeus, a heartless god that has lost faith in mankind. His role as Zeus, in comparison to some of his pervious roles (like that of the warmhearted father Daniel in “Love Actually” and Oscar Schindler, the factory owner determined to save the lives of Jews during the Holocaust, in “Schindler’s List”), just doesn’t seem like the same Neeson that was popularized with most audiences.
“Clash of the Titans” falls short of impressive in terms of action, romance and comic relief. Its overused storyline and average acting ultimately leaves the audience unsatisfied. However, if viewers are looking simply for a movie filled with amazing visual effects, then this film is certainly the one to see.
“Clash of the Titans” is rated PG-13 for fantasy action, violence, some frightening images and brief sensuality. The film is now playing in theatres nationwide.
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