A movie that seems inconsistent “Clash of the Titans” is a dichotomy of cliched dialogue and stunning visuals two-dimensional characters and non-stop action sequences.
Although unintelligent and stilted this adrenaline-fueled action flick will illuminate your eyes and keep your heart pumping— but it will probably dull your mind as well.
After the citizens of Argus declare war on the gods all hell breaks loose… literally. Hades (Ralph Fiennes “The English Patient”) arises from the underworld to punish the inhabitants for their impudence. He threatens total annihilation unless Andromeda is sacrificed. Zeus sanctions this action disappointed with humanity’s constant blasphemy.
In the midst of this battle Perseus (Sam Worthington “Avatar”) suffers the death of his entire family while fishing with them on his humble boat. Perseus is left enraged at the gods but to his dismay soon discovers he is a demi-god. Fed up with the gods’ cruelty and abandonment he vows to destroy them.
As the movie progresses Perseus full of vengeance and rage refuses Zeus’ help. Equating the supernatural with evil Perseus endeavors to destroy the gods with only his human powers at all costs attempting to resist transformation into one of them.
Then the real action begins. Perseus and his gang of misfits come up against giant scorpions flying demons and eyeless witches. The action is extraordinary and the visual effects are eye-boggling. Scene after scene of pointless violence and awesome acrobats will keep your attention for the whole movie. The 3-D technology is particularly impressive. As Pegasus flies through the Kraken’s tentacles the audience will feel as if they’re soaring alongside him.
Surprisingly there is even some mild thematic depth. In the movie human beings have lived with pain hardships and despair only to be ignored by the gods. Consequently the humans decide to declare war against them only to realize they need the gods just as much as the gods need them. As the movie unfolds both men and the gods recognize their mutual existence.
The cinematography is unexpectedly well-executed. With unique camera angles and excellent scenery the viewer will get caught up in the aesthetic quality of the film. Unfortunately the rave stops there.
The character development is virtually nonexistent. I would go so far as to say the characters are less than two-dimensional. With the stereotypes of generals soldiers villains and heros the movie offers no unique personal development or internal conflicts. Moreover the actors portraying the characters are just as bland. The acting is mediocre at best with the exception of Ralph Fiennes portraying the mischievous Hades.
The dialogue is also disappointing. Except for a few poignant scenes the screenplay is brought to screen similar to fourth graders reading directly from a script. Stilted and overly loquacious the script reads like a teleprompter. Worse the plot is beyond simple— so simple in fact that you don’t even have to think.
Yet perhaps that is a good thing. The screenwriters and director appeared to have put all the money and energy into the action and visual effects and therefore everything else lacks. But because of that the movie is an enjoyable albeit simple action film.
Though the acting screenplay and character development fail on nearly every level and the screenplay is nothing if not predictable the nonstop action definitely appeals to a certain breed of a adventure movie-lovers.
With swords slashing fiends flying and a crazy Kraken killing I would definitely recommend “Clash of the Titans” to any action fan. It may not be a great film but it’s a lot of fun.
Score: 3 out of 5 stars
