Most of us know a little about Greek Mythology and even more of us have seen the 1981 classic film “Clash of the Titans” based on the tale of Perseus. Many would argue that the classic movie needed an update given our advancements of visual effects while many would say to leave the original film alone. I do think that the story of Perseus needs a film update, as long as it remains faithful to Greek Mythology. Ok, the 1981 film wasn’t 100% faithful to its source material, but the myth of Perseus at least remained intact. Well, director Louis Letterrier and writers Lawrence Kasdan and Travis Beacham rendition of “CLASH OF THE TITANS” is pure mainstream popcorn entertainment; boasting of stunning special effects, gorgeous set pieces, 3D gimmicks and sword-swinging action. 2010’s Greek mythological version aims to make the story of Perseus Bigger, Louder and Stylish. Is this a good thing and is this remake necessary?
In a time when men have began to question the Gods, that kings dare to challenge Zeus (Liam Neeson), the king of Olympus, with a war threatening to destroy both; a young demi-god called Perseus (Sam Worthington) loses his adoptive family during a skirmish between Hades (Ralph Fiennes), the lord of the underworld and the army of Argo. Back in the land of Argo, Perseus is brought before its king who challenges the gods themselves. Hades once again appears to bring fear to the mortals as he condemns Argo for destruction at the hands of his child, the Kraken or for Argo’s princess Andromeda (Alexa Davalos) to be sacrificed. Desperate and angry, Perseus volunteers to mount an assault on Hades and to seize power from Zeus. He leads a small group of warriors (including a mysterious woman) to seek the wisdom of the Stygian witches, journey to the underworld to take Medusa’s head, kill the Kraken and to stop Hades…a demi-god’s work is never done.
1981’s “Clash of the Titans” was a grand display of special effects for its time; true, it may be a little dated in these days of polished CGI effects and HD technology, so it was safe to assume that it was only a matter of time before Hollywood does a remake. I thought the original film stuck much closer to Greek mythology, sure there were small differences such as the mechanical owl but the film served up several creatures in Greek mythology that were so much fun to see. Well, 2010’s version is a bigger update but it also strips the screenplay of the spirit of Greek myth.
Louis Leterrier’s version has a plot that leaves most of the original’s devices intact, but it doesn’t expand on Greek mythology but actually takes several short cuts. The gods of Olympus in the original were noble, proud, impishly selfish but considerate; this time around, they were selfish, uncaring (despite the fact that the movie says Zeus loved men), arrogant and they demand worship to keep their immortality. This time around, Perseus is not the heroic love-stricken son of Zeus but one driven by the desire for revenge. Instead of Poseidon who commands the Kraken, Letterrier opts to make Hades the father of the beast from the sea. Pegasus is an ebony horse and the not the last flying white horse, Acrisius and Calibos’ characters are one and the same, no riddle to be solved, no helmet of invisibility, the shield of Perseus isn’t fashioned by Hephaestus, Bubo the mechanical owl makes a cameo, Argo is the one in peril rather than Joppa, no angry Thetis, and the other gods of Olympus are present only for show. There are a lot more changes to the plot but none proved to expand the mythology; some new characters were introduced such as Lo (sexy Gemma Atherton), Draco (Mads Mikkelsen) and there’s even a Djinn?! (There are Djinns in Greek mythology?)
The characters in “Clash” are a little too stereotypical for my tastes and I sure wished that the director didn’t make these changes. Note to Hollywood: Don’t fix something that’s not broken. Letterier and company would have done well to keep most of the elements of Greek mythology intact. They could’ve just made the film more faithful to the original while expanding on the myth with a more serious, darker mood and tone. I guess Hollywood opts for the easy way out than to be more creative and rely heavily on visual effects rather than the development of characters and story. Why man would provoke the gods wasn't fully developed--except that "don't be like them". Perseus and Lo made an interesting duo while Andromeda makes for a minor role here. The premise of Greek mythology is really kept to a minimum here. I wouldn't mind some changes, as long as they were clever and inventive; but in this case, they were pretty clumsy. The development of the story is essential to make a truly epic film...no excuses; grand special effects DO NOT make a film truly epic.
The screenplay in 2010’s “Clash of the Titans” is stripped bare to make the movie leaner, louder and brisk whose focus are the special effects and action. The promise of immortality in song and stories because of heroic deeds are left for a simple desire for revenge that leads to heroic deeds. I actually didn’t mind this change if only the characters were the essential part of the story rather than the action. The main draw of Letterrier’s “Clash” are the set designs and just how monstrous he made the creatures; and on this he does succeed. The giant scorpions were indeed scary and intimidating. The battle with them served up the film’s most intense and exciting moment that I almost forgave the film’s flaws (but they were played too early). The Kraken is indeed HUGE and looked very, very cool. Medusa was quick and deadly, but she wasn’t that bad to look at; she looked like a refugee from one of those video games. I did like the effects of the transformation of flesh to stone and the encounter in Medusa’s temple was decent. I was also amused by the river styx and the underworld; they looked real grim and nasty. But the 3D effects were obviously a mere gimmick to capitalize on Avatar’s success.
So is 2010’s “Clash of the Titans” a worthy remake? I would have to say no. It did play homage to the original movie but as a film supposedly based on Greek Mythology and legend, it just didn’t hit the spot. Letterrier’s rendition is another film of “escapist” elements and comes so short of becoming epic save for the louder, grander visual effects whose goals are simply to entertain and awe with its modern technology. “Escapism” is just an excuse to make a crappy film, but to its credit, the film does entertain. The film may prove really impressive for those folks who’ve never seen the original or familiar with Greek myth; it has that comic book feel that does satisfy but never really fills you up. It is hard for me to recommend this movie to be seen in theaters but that “Kraken” needs to be seen in the big screen.
I guess 2010’s “Clash of the Titans” is total escapist, popcorn entertainment. While not a bad movie, it just falls so short of the supposed “outdated” original 1981 film. While not essential, it is a fun diversion. Just remember, it is NOT Greek mythology but Hollywood Storytelling.
Recommended with Caution [3 Out of 5 Stars] Flawed with some Redeeming Qualities; But a Rental First is Advisable.
HYPE LEVEL: Very High. Today’s revolutions in visual effects demand movies that delve in fantasy to be made but 3D should never be the main attraction for movie enjoyment but creative storytelling. I feel that the film didn’t meet expectations and lived up to its “Hype”.
This Review is a Lunch.com Exclusive (Need I even say it?)
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ScotmanAugust 29, 2010
Good review. I still haven't seen this. Maybe the Djinn was a tourist from Arabia.
woopak_the_thrillAugust 29, 2010
LOL! Djinn a tourist?! that's a good one...well, if you liked the first movie, then you may not like this one too much.
I think I'm going to start subscribing to the idea that if you're unfavorable towards it... I'm inclined to be even LESS favorable, LOL. Because when I finally got to see this, I just about hated it. In my review I described it as a fart... it stinks.
woopak_the_thrillApril 26, 2010
ha-hah. I rated this a star more than you. I can see why some folks can like it, but I sure had mixed feelings about it. It was bettter than staying at home though LOL!
Another excellent review WP, I will be seeing this movie this weekend some time.
woopak_the_thrillApril 07, 2010
Thanks, man. I see you've been going through my reviews. I left you a message on your profile page. It has been awhile since we've talked (after I stopped reviewing in amazon) Great to see you, man!
FM_ALEXApril 10, 2010
Indeed it is cool to finally be able to read all your stuff again, finally seen Clash last night.
I've been on the fence about this one- glad you reviewed it before I plopped down the 10-spot. Sounds like a rental perhaps, especially considering that the original is a classic to me! I always view it as a bad sign when a movie gets as much promotion/ advertising as this one has and the trend seems to hold water still based on your assessment. I'm with you and Count, I fear this could potentially taint some of my admiration for the original film/ source material on which its based. Great review bro!
woopak_the_thrillApril 05, 2010
The only thing worth seeing this for would be the Kraken and he only showed for about 10 minutes? I think as long as you own a big HDTV you'll be fine watching this at home.
As a fan of Harryhausen and as someone who's been obsessed with mythology since a very young age, I'm skipping this one altogether. Talk about mangling myth and unnecessary remakes! Why'd they even keep the title "Clash of the Titans" if the Kraken is Hades' son? Nonsense! The reason the original had that name was because it was about using Medusa to conquer the Kraken. The original film changed a lot from mythology, since Medusa wasn't even a Titan and the Kraken wasn't part of Greek mythology. But that film was fun and clever. This one, not so much.
ScotmanApril 03, 2010
So you're saying Hollywood made a "myth-take?" LOL.
woopak_the_thrillApril 03, 2010
That bit bothered me too. After all, Poseidon is the king of the seas and the Kraken is a resident of the sea. I am with you, Medusa is a Gorgon, but not a titan. Maybe the word 'titan' was meant as something 'huge' or epic combat? Ok, back to bed for me, my cold has gotten a little worse...
Count_Orlok_22April 03, 2010
Damn, sounds like you need to visit the doctor. Rest up, I have a job for you to do when you're up to it!
woopak_the_thrillApril 03, 2010
yeh. the weather's really fucked up here...cold and then warm, sunny then rainy...it is messing with me. I quit smoking and now I'm more vulnerable to allergies...arrgghhh!!!
Count_Orlok_22April 03, 2010
It's been like that here. 30 one day and then almost 70 the next. It's messing with my allergies!
Count_Orlok_22April 10, 2010
Oh, and Woo, it's not Greek or Hollywood mythology. It's geek mythology! LMFAO! Sorry, I couldn't help myself.
Thanks for the heads up on this, Woo! Daaaang, how'd you manage to see and review it before it even came out? :P Great review! Like trashie, I've seen not-so-great headlines about this. Most notably on CNN where it said that it was cheesetacular. Yup, saving it for DVD. Thanks for sharing!
woopak_the_thrillApril 03, 2010
I managed to see it Thursday night thanks to a friend of mine. I was going to see another advance screening today but my cold has gotten a little worse. Staying home to sleep it off... :-(
*1/2 out of **** I'm starting to think it's nigh impossible to make a good "Clash of the Titans" movie. The first - and unfortunately not last - was from 1981 and failed to leave anything of an impression on me aside from a few yawns and my admiration for the stop-motion work that gives the film a great deal of its fans. Now there's the 2010 version, directed by Louis Leterrier, which really doesn't have much of a reason to exist other than to upgrade the visual thrills of … more
This film was stupid, poorly acted, essentially Hercules for adults, and was nothing but a mindless dumb action romp. But to be fair, that's all I was expecting. The movie is nothing more than a CGI action extravaganza and it has enough special effects to please a mainstream audience but the critic in me just kept holding me back. You know how some movies you just have to check your brain at the door for, well I just can't do that, and I feel that if I smashed myself several times in the … more
Clash of the Titans is like the guy who farts in the room and then decides to leave you with the smell. It stinks. After watching Clash of the Titans and walking out of the theater, I felt dirtier than a gas station restroom. I will need many years of therapy after this one. Okay, so perhaps Clash of the Titans wasn't THAT bad. But make no mistake, the movie is bad. Not enough to make you feel dirty. Just bad enough that you look … more
A long time ago there were big, chaotic, uncontrollable gods, the Titans, who ruled the Earth and gave birth to new gods who destroyed them and created man, in order to gain power from their worship. But men, being men, resented the arbitrary whims of the gods and it was inevitable they'd fight back. Hades, the god of the underworld, hit upon a plan to bring fear into the hearts of men so they'd worship again. He'd release the Kraken, a giant sea monster, … more
After being on this site and checking out some of the reviews I came to a conclusion....I am one of the only people in America who enjoyed Clash of the Titans!! The movie, as many of you know, follows the story of Perseus as he goes to kill Medusa and journeys to meet the three witches in order to slay the Kraken. The movie had a star studded cast with Liam Neeson, Ralph Finnes and Sam Worthington. With lots of special effects and an oppertunity to see this movie in 3D … more
The original 1981 Ray Harryhausen special effects designed and produced fantasy adventure is a film of magic wonder, excitement, adventure and mysticism. The 2010 remake or re-imaging if you prefer "Clash of the Titans" is centered around a young fisherman named Perseus who after a personal loss sets out to the city of Argos to take up the task of saving the whole city from the brink of destruction by the hands of the Kraken. … more
The original Clash of the Titans is perhaps mostly remembered for its sheer corniness. This remake by the same name is certainly better and has amped up special effects. On the whole, I'd give it 3.5 stars. The movie does some things very well, such as the monsters. Medusa looks great and perfectly combines beauty and horror. Yet, I can't help but think that the directors wasted this opportunity to make a truly classic movie. Clash of the Titans falls into the trap of many modern movies … more
I was a big fan of the 1981 movie Clash of the Titans. It had everything I loved: action, excitement, Greek mythology! It was a great film for its time and still holds up at least somewhat today. Sure, the effects have aged, but that's to be expected. It was also a movie that pushed me even more into my budding interest in Greek mythology; an interest which has continued to this very day. Heck, I got quite an interest in mythology in general and even took a course in it when … more
If the lord of the rings, the lightning theif, and 300 got togeather and had a child it would be the clash of the titans. Not that it was a bad movie just the similarities where almost to distracting for me to follow the actual storyline
On my blog (http://random-babbles.blogspot.com/), I've set out to work my way through Rotten Tomatoes' list of the 100 worst movies of the last decade. As I've talked to many people about my "quest," I've mostly gotten interest. Only a very, very few people have not really understood why I was choosing to subject myself to these officially awful films. I consider myself a bad movie aficionado, but I don't think I'm entirely unique in that way. Maybe I like them … more
Clash of the Titans is a 2010 fantasy film which is a remake of the 1981 film of the same name, itself loosely based on the Greek myth of Perseus. Directed by Louis Leterrier and starring Sam Worthington, the film was originally set for standard release on March 26, 2010. It was later announced that the film would be converted to 3-D and was released on April 2, 2010.
"Release the Kraken!" Ah, it could only beClash of the Titans, the 2010 remake that retains the instruction to unleash the great beastie from the sea. The 1981 original boasted Ray Harryhausen's legendary stop-motion technique of animating various mythological creatures--it was his final feature project--and given the cornball approach of the movie in general, that was the main draw. The remake supplies new state-of-the-art special effects (released in 3-D) and a nicely muscular sense of momentum. Sam Worthington (theAvatarguy) plays Perseus, a demigod who doesn't know that Zeus (Liam Neeson) is his father. Perseus is selected to lead an expedition to find and slay the Medusa, lest Zeus's evil brother Hades (Ralph Fiennes, in fine slinking mode) rain down misery upon a seaport--and you just know that means the Kraken is coming. Ye gods, it's a mess, and we haven't even mentioned the witches and the harpies and the giant scorpions. But if we did, it would be clear thatClash of the Titansis a perfectly dandy popcorn epic, unpretentious and punchy. Director Louis ...
recommend this movie to be seen in theaters but that “Kraken” needs to be seen in the big screen.
