Tom_Knapp
"A new classic"
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A 2007 fantasy film directed by Matthew Vaughn and based on Neil Gaiman's book.
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Let me start by stating that if you watch Stardust the movie hoping that it achieves the aura of Stardust the book, you will be disappointed. That, however, is the fate of most book into movie productions. Stardust the book was magical because it is made of words. Stardust the movie is made of images and it is unrealistic to hope that it could capture the essence of the written version. That said, Stardust the movie has its moments. Clare Danes makes a luminous star, Charlie Cox a credulous young hero, and deNiro has a great time camping it up in his role as secretly gay pirate captain. Michelle Pfeiffer is less successful as the witch; either of her two crone sisters could have done better. There are more than a few problems with the story line, which, especially at the start, jumps about in a confusing manner. It is in its individual scenes that this movie shines. Seeing a dying prince bleed blue blood. Watching the 6 dead brothers in their ghostly throng, bearing their slashed throats and axes in the head. The Capt. Hook - style sequences with the air ship. The fairy tale backgrounds and the gypsy wagon. The special effects, which, while not spectacular, do their job. The developing love story. It isn't perfect, but Stardust is good entertainment, fun to lose oneself in on a rainy evening. If you enjoy the movie, you owe it to yourself to read the book. It's even better
+3
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Trekscribbler
April 07, 2011
Hmm. Maybe the book is better. I thought the film was awful, myself. Boring. Poorly paced.
katknit
April 07, 2011
The book is definitely better, Trek.
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Moviesfan
April 06, 2011
I saw this awhile back but don't remember enough to have an opinion on it. Great review, I need to watch it again!
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woopak_the_thrill
April 05, 2011
nice! I liked this one but I see your points. =)
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More Stardust (2007 film) reviews
I actually really like this :D
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Based upon comic book and graphic novel writer Neil Gaiman's original story, Stardust is a charming fantasy film with a humorous twist. Much like The Princess Bride in its combination of romance, adventure, comedy, and fantasy, Stardust is a remarkable film with a lot of heart. The film was directed by Matthew Vaughn, who had been eager to adapt the story for the cinematic medium. Thankfully Vaughn was a more than competent director and he had a great deal of respect for the source … more
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review by katknit.
August 15, 2008
Let me start by stating that if you watch Stardust the movie hoping that it achieves the aura of Stardust the book, you will be disappointed. That, however, is the fate of most book into movie productions. Stardust the book was magical because it is made of words. Stardust the movie is made of images and it is unrealistic to hope that it could capture the essence of the written version. That said, Stardust the movie has its moments. Clare Danes makes a luminous star, Charlie … more
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Compliment
I picked up this DVD not expecting much, having not heard anything about it. I was pleasantly surprised and entertained throughout! Some of the comedy of the film seemed to be right out of Monty Python. Tristan is the son of an enslaved princess from a forbidden fantasy land behind a long wall which is guarded by an old man. One day his father gives him a letter from his mother and Tristan decides to go beyond the wall to find her. The old man prevents him from getting past … more
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Films that depend heavily on special effects as created by computer generated graphics have never been too interesting for this viewer - and that, of late, covers a lot of territory from the Harry Potter series through the continuous glut of sci-fi films, vampire tales, and apocalyptic epics, etc. But there is something very different about STARDUST that brings it into a realm of solid storytelling simply enhanced by well-done special effects, and that difference is in the story itself, an unabashed … more
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review by Tom_Knapp.
October 19, 2007
The story begins in the 19th-century village of Wall. But Wall isn't your average country village -- it guards a low, stony wall between mundane England and the fantasy kingdom of Stormhold. No one crosses the wall -- except for young Drustan Thorn, whose curiosity led him to an otherworldly market and a single night of passion with a captive gypsy -- or princess -- and nine months later he was given a son, Tristan, who was left for him by the wall. Flash forward 18 years, … more
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About the reviewer
Linda (katknit)
After 21 years as a school psychologist, I now work part-time at two local historical museums, giving tours and teaching special programs. This leaves me more time to enjoy my little grandchildren, and … more
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katknit
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About this movie
Stardustsettles over the viewer like a twinkly cloak. The film, which captures the magic and vision of author Neil Gaiman's fantasy graphic fable, is a transportive journey into a world of true enchantment, which fans of theHarry Potterbooks will enjoy as well as will adults looking for the perfect date movie. The tale is a not-so-simple love story and adventure, set in 19th century England--and an alternate universe of witches, spells and stars that turn human--and hold the key to eternal life.
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Young Tristan (played with wide-eyed vigor by Charlie Cox) vows to retrieve a fallen star for the most beautiful girl in the village, the shallow Victoria (Sienna Miller), and in his quest, finds his true love--in a true "meet-cute" moment (by Babylon-candle-speeding into the just-crashed human incarnation of the star, Claire Danes). Much of the film involves the duo's journey back home--though home for Tristan is his village, and home for the celestial Yvaine is, of course, in the heavens. There are villains, notably Michelle Pfeiffer as the vain witch who seeks the fountain of youth a fallen star can give, and the seven venal sons of the dying king of the mythical realm, backstabbing, grasping, and hilarious--even in death as a ghostly Greek chorus.
While the sparks of love between Tristan and Yvaine are resonant and touching, Stardust truly succeeds as a brilliant fantasy yarn--and as a comedy with more than its share of belly laughs. Much of the humor belongs ...
Cast:
Robert De Niro,
Jason Flemyng,
Mark Strong,
Claire Danes,
David Kelly,
Sienna Miller,
Michelle Pfeiffer,
Peter O'Toole,
Ricky Gervais,
Ian McKellen,
Rupert Everett,
Charlie Cox,
David Williams
Director:
Matthew Vaughn
Genre:
Adventure,
Comedy,
Fantasy,
Romance
Release Date:
August 10, 2007
MPAA Rating:
PG-13
Screen Writer:
Matthew Vaughn
DVD Release Date:
December 18, 2007
Runtime:
127 minutes
Studio:
Paramount Pictures,
Marv Films
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