Immortals (2011)

Eons after the Gods won their mythic struggle against the Titans, a new evil threatens the land. Mad with power, King Hyperion (Mickey Rourke) has declared war against humanity. Amassing a bloodthirsty army of soldiers disfigured by his own hand, Hyperion has scorched Greece in search of the legendary Epirus Bow, a weapon of unimaginable power forged in the heavens by Ares. Only he who possesses this bow can unleash the Titans, who have been imprisoned deep within the walls of Mount Tartaros since the dawn of time and thirst for revenge. In the king's hands, the bow would rain destruction upon mankind and annihilate the Gods. But ancient law dictates the Gods must not intervene in man's conflict. They remain powerless to stop Hyperion...until a peasant named Theseus (Henry Cavill) comes forth as their only hope. Secretly chosen by Zeus, Theseus must save his people from Hyperion and his hordes.

Director: Tarsem Singh
Writers: Charley Parlapanides, Vlas Parlapanides

There's no mistaking that Immortals is a film from the producers of 300.  The visual style is very similar.  But, that doesn't mean that this film is as good as 300.  In fact, it really doesn't come close.

Yes, there's plenty of CGI action to be had, with lots of CGI blood affects.  The action is great, but not quite on par with the over-the-top action of 300.

Yes, there are gorgeous women in this movie.  But, frankly not enough of them (really only one), and there is no nudity in this film.  I don't consider a butt shot nudity.

The acting is very good.  This movie is filled with excellent actors like Mickey Rourke, Henry Cavill, Stephen Dorff, John Hurt, Luke Evans, and Stephen McHattie.  No complaints here.

I suppose the biggest complaint I have here is the story.  It just seemed rushed and not fleshed out at all.  Even 300 had a better story than this.  The characters are very two dimensional, and there is little emotion shown.

Another issue I had were the sets.  While they looked really nice, all I could think was green screen.  The cliff set of their home just seemed off to me.  If Theseus and his mom are such poor peasants, why are they the only ones who live out on the cliff with an ocean-side view?  Where does that tunnel go?  Why are they living on a dangerous cliff anyway?

Overall, of course I enjoyed this movie.  It was fun and exciting, even though it was sometimes quite silly.  This is simple popcorn action-porn and there is nothing wrong with that.  Check this one out if you haven't seen it and turn your brain off.

Verdict: Slightly-recommended

The Cast

Henry Cavill ... Theseus

Mickey Rourke ... King Hyperion

Freida Pinto ... Phaedra

Stephen Dorff ... Stavros

Luke Evans ... Zeus

Alan Van Sprang ... Dareios

Joseph Morgan ... Lysander

Kellan Lutz ... Poseidon

Isabel Lucas ... Athena

John Hurt ... Old Man

Anne Day-Jones ... Aethra

Greg Bryk ... The Monk

Peter Stebbings ... Helios

Stephen McHattie ... Cassander

Mercedes Leggett ... High Priestess #2

Kaniehtiio Horn ... High Priestess #3

Ayisha Issa ... High Priestess #4