Fantasy Flix: Giant

Tuesday, August 7, 2012

Wrath of the Titans (2012)

Director: Jonathan Liebesman
Writers: Dan Mazeau (screenplay), David Johnson (screenplay)

A decade after his heroic defeat of the monstrous Kraken, Perseus-the demigod son of Zeus-is attempting to live a quieter life as a village fisherman and the sole parent to his 10-year old son, Helius. Meanwhile, a struggle for supremacy rages between the gods and the Titans. Dangerously weakened by humanity's lack of devotion, the gods are losing control of the imprisoned Titans and their ferocious leader, Kronos, father of the long-ruling brothers Zeus, Hades and Poseidon. The triumvirate had overthrown their powerful father long ago, leaving him to rot in the gloomy abyss of Tartarus, a dungeon that lies deep within the cavernous underworld. Perseus cannot ignore his true calling when Hades, along with Zeus' godly son, Ares (Edgar Ramírez), switch loyalty and make a deal with Kronos to capture Zeus. The Titans' strength grows stronger as Zeus' remaining godly powers are siphoned.

Wrath of the Titans is the sequel to 2010's Clash of the Titans. I am fairly sure this movie isn't looked highly upon. But, if you know me at all, you won't be surprised that... frankly, I don't care. I enjoyed this movie as I enjoyed the original (and the original before that).

The tone of Wrath is similar to the first one (or the second one... damn, I'm confused). As before, the sights and sounds are fantastic. If you're looking for CG eye-candy, this movie is god.

More nay-sayers like to poo-poo in Mr. Worthington. I don't think he's a fantastic actor, but he's got something that makes me really enjoy watching him on screen. Jason Statham and Vin Deisel aren't fantastic actors either, but I'll watch everything they make...

The rest of the acting is very good also with great actors like Liam Neeson and Ralph Fiennes. I also quite enjoyed Toby Kebbell as Agenor. He really stole the show for me.

As expected, the action is good and numerous. There's not as much female hotness in this one as Clash, but Rosamund Pike is nice to look at and isn't a bad actress.

Overall, I recommend this as another popcorn actioner. It's not going to win any academy awards, but it's a good movie and deserves a watch.

Verdict: Recommended

The Cast

Sam Worthington ... Perseus

Rosamund Pike ... Andromeda

Toby Kebbell ... Agenor

Liam Neeson ... Zeus

Ralph Fiennes ... Hades

Édgar Ramírez ... Ares

Danny Huston ... Poseidon

Bill Nighy ... Hephaestus

Alejandro Naranjo ... Mantius

Lily James ... Korrina

Sinéad Cusack ... Clea

John Bell ... Helius

Saturday, January 7, 2012

Hercules: The Legendary Journeys (TV Series 1995–1999)

Creator: Christian Williams

Hercules, aided by his best friend Iolaus, goes on many adventures helping people and slaying mythical monsters using his half-god strength.

Hercules: The Legendary Journeys was a sindicated TV series of the 90's that spawned a multitude of fantasy related series. None of which (save Xena) enjoyed the success of it's father. Among these series was it's spinoff Xena: Warrior Princess, Beastmaster, Conan, Sinbad, and many others. While I enjoyed those series for what they were, nothing can compare to the original. I even prefer Hercules over Xena in many regards, though I believe I am a minority.

The series was very well done (for the 90's), decent special effects for the day, great action, and fun pacing. Rewatching the series, I kept waiting for it to "catch it's legs". The original movies, and the first season or two was not what I remembered. But, once regulars like Ares and Aphrodite started to appear, I started to enjoy the series like I did in the day.

I decided not to take a number of screenshots as I'm sure most of you know the series and what it looks like. The sets are nicely done and the women get more and more scantily clad as the series progresses.

I'f you've never seen Hercules, check it out as I consider it a "modern" classic. (can 20ish years ago be modern? God I feel old.)

Verdict: Recommended

The Cast