Anna NeonDust yourself off
September 26th 2007 03:36
STARDUST (2007)
Romance/ Comedy/ Fantasy
Stardust is a fairytale farce. It takes all the elements of a classic fairytale and throws them all together with a sarcastic noughties twist. Very tongue in cheek, we see the fallen star (Claire Danes) as the real knight in shining armour, taking charge while most of the men faff about trying to kill each other off.
Following the story of Tristan (Charlie Cox) who lives in the town of Wall, which is remarkably surrounded by a large brick wall, this is fundamentally a tale of love. It is love that makes Tristan cross the wall into the magical land beyond, it is love that leads him to a fallen star and it is love that eventually turns this young boy into a man. Witches and pirates and would-be heirs to the throne all threaten his quest but in the end they all live happily ever after.
Even despite the wicked witch’s efforts. Played by Michelle Pfeiffer, I maintain that she can do no wrong, although she is remarkably stoic in this piece. She does her job as the wicked witch, careening between being seductively beautiful and a haggard, old, crone, but she doesn’t offer anything new. However, she is playing a stereotype that is hundreds of years old, so one can’t really blame her. Her ear piercing cackle is also to be admired.
But if you’re seeing this film for the acting, then DeNiro is the one to watch. He is delightful in his role as a would-be swashbuckling pirate and has plenty of surprises to offer. However, the really funny stuff comes from Ricky Gervais, who in my mind made this film totally worth the watch. Ricky Gervais does Ricky Gervais, but let’s face it, he does it well. He had me laughing out loud throughout his cameo with his impeccable comic timing and ridiculous sense of humour. The ghosts of all the dead brothers and would-be heirs to the throne are wickedly amusing also, and Claire Danes proves that she can crack a joke.
Aiming to turn many of the old fairytale stereotypes on their heads, it feels a little forced and lacks organic flow, even ringing a little too corny in some parts. But it has good intentions and is a cheeky, little adventure that makes no apologies. It’s a film that the whole family can enjoy, not too scary, not too sexy, just right. Almost. An off beat romantic comedy that could have used a bit more action and a bit less stargazing, it’s no Princess Bride, but it’s worth a look.
Romance/ Comedy/ Fantasy
Stardust is a fairytale farce. It takes all the elements of a classic fairytale and throws them all together with a sarcastic noughties twist. Very tongue in cheek, we see the fallen star (Claire Danes) as the real knight in shining armour, taking charge while most of the men faff about trying to kill each other off.
Following the story of Tristan (Charlie Cox) who lives in the town of Wall, which is remarkably surrounded by a large brick wall, this is fundamentally a tale of love. It is love that makes Tristan cross the wall into the magical land beyond, it is love that leads him to a fallen star and it is love that eventually turns this young boy into a man. Witches and pirates and would-be heirs to the throne all threaten his quest but in the end they all live happily ever after.
Even despite the wicked witch’s efforts. Played by Michelle Pfeiffer, I maintain that she can do no wrong, although she is remarkably stoic in this piece. She does her job as the wicked witch, careening between being seductively beautiful and a haggard, old, crone, but she doesn’t offer anything new. However, she is playing a stereotype that is hundreds of years old, so one can’t really blame her. Her ear piercing cackle is also to be admired.
But if you’re seeing this film for the acting, then DeNiro is the one to watch. He is delightful in his role as a would-be swashbuckling pirate and has plenty of surprises to offer. However, the really funny stuff comes from Ricky Gervais, who in my mind made this film totally worth the watch. Ricky Gervais does Ricky Gervais, but let’s face it, he does it well. He had me laughing out loud throughout his cameo with his impeccable comic timing and ridiculous sense of humour. The ghosts of all the dead brothers and would-be heirs to the throne are wickedly amusing also, and Claire Danes proves that she can crack a joke.
Aiming to turn many of the old fairytale stereotypes on their heads, it feels a little forced and lacks organic flow, even ringing a little too corny in some parts. But it has good intentions and is a cheeky, little adventure that makes no apologies. It’s a film that the whole family can enjoy, not too scary, not too sexy, just right. Almost. An off beat romantic comedy that could have used a bit more action and a bit less stargazing, it’s no Princess Bride, but it’s worth a look.
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