Fantasy Flix: Sword and Sandal

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

Friday, March 9, 2012

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.