Stardust

I am a sucker for the fantasy genre, be it books or film, so it should come as no surprise that "Stardust" really appealed to my inner escapist. At 75% on Rotten Tomatoes, I entered the theatre with high expectations and am glad I wasn't let down.

The magical world of Stormhold isn't nearly as fantastical or expansive as Middle Earth, but it's colourful and exciting nevertheless. What really distinguishes this fantasy movie from the likes of LOTR and Harry Potter is perhaps the abundant whimsy. "Sprinkled with tongue-in-cheek humor, fairly adult jokes and some well-known faces acting very silly"(Variety), the ensued hilarity makes this one enjoyable, laugh-out-loud ride.

Of course, a great movie wouldn't do without a great plot (think "King Arthur), and "Stardust" benefits from being a Neil Gaiman (American Gods) adaptation. "Its sensibility stays true to Gaiman's style: heroic, wryly funny, but bloodthirsty as great fairy tales can often be"(Charlotte Observer), and it manages to keep the audience engaged by seamlessly weaving three sub-plotlines -the princes, the witches, and the hero, each racing to find the star to fulfil their vested interests- together into an intricate story of adventure and romance.

Impressive special effects have become the hallmark of any decent fantasy movie, and "Stardust" does not disappoint on this count. Visually arresting and boasting a number of magnificent sets and opulent costumes, the excellent production values are apparent. The soundtrack, which bears some semblance to LOTR's, is expectedly well orchestrated and stirring. The catchy theme song, "Rule the World" by Take That (see Hobble-Goggle), though, is less classical and more pop rock, perhaps hinting at the modern sensibilities of this dated tale.

The ensemble cast deserves mention as well. Charlie Cox(Tristan) comes of age convincingly, his charisma coming through as the movie progresses. Robert De Niro's Captain Shakespeare, who has a penchant for cross-dressing and the cancan, is campy though strangely likeable, while Claire Danes(Yvaine) delivers a less than stellar performance, and lacks the ethereality to portray a fallen star, glowing special effects notwithstanding.

Michelle Pfeiffer steals the show as the evil witch queen. "Only an actress as beautiful as the graceful Pfeiffer would allow herself to be rendered bald, aged and grotesque by startling special effects and makeup and have such a great time in the role... Her Lamia is resourceful and genuinely scary rather than cartoonish"(Hollywood Reporter).

All in all a blast of a movie, and shouldn't disappoint if you are a fantasy fan like me.