Stardust
Charlie Cox, Claire Danes, Michelle Pfeiffer; Directed by Matthew Vaughn
Tristan will go to any length to prove his love for the beautiful (and sickeningly conceited) Victoria, and this devotion is very soon put to the test when the two witness a falling star on a clear night. Tristan vows to venture over the Wall, a stone divide that no one is allowed to cross, and return with the star, so winning her hand in marriage. This promise amuses Victoria, and so she gives her consent. Once over the Wall, Tristan enters a dangerous and magical world populated by wicked witches, murderous princes, pirates, and enchanted goats. Yes, goats. When Tristan finally reaches the site of the star's earthly resting place, he is astonished to find that the object in question is not a celestial orb of hard rock, but a beautiful young woman called Yvainne. As the two undertake the harrowing journey back towards Tristan's country, they soon come to discover that there is more at stake concerning Yvainne than a mere marriage proposal. There doesn't seem to be anyone whose fortune wouldn't be greatly improved by the acquisition of this extraordinary gift from the heavens, and soon, the future of the entire country is riding on the heels of Tristan's discovery.
This is a very fun romance/fantasy/adventure. Notice that I didn’t say ‘comedy’. A lot of people have been comparing this film to The Princess Bride, but that is not entirely accurate. There are humorous moments, but not so often or as witty as those found in the aforementioned film. Besides that note, it would be a pretty fair comparison. There seems to be no end to the fantastical settings and colorful characters that pepper this story. One of the most notable (and strange) is Robert DeNiro’s character, Captain Shakespeare, a dreaded pirate lord who is secretly an effeminate and soft-hearted man who loves to dress up in women’s clothes and prance around in front of his mirror. This moment of revelation with him is undoubtedly the most bizarre and off-putting part of the film.
Also of note is the delightful Michelle Pfeiffer as the decrepit hag of a witch who seeks the star as a charm for eternal youth and beauty. It is clear that she had a lot of fun with this role. Cameos include Peter O’Toole, Ricky Gervais, Sienna Miller, and Rupert Everett. The love story is vibrant and carefully tended, making for more believable chemistry between the two leads. Claire Danes offers us a star whose bitingly sarcastic and seemingly bitter personality works to hide a vulnerability that she seems to fear at first. Charlie Cox is an unpretentious and humble hero (so sadly rare these days!) and it is refreshing to see, and makes is easier for us to cheer him on.
I was not familiar with Neil Gaiman’s novel before going into the theatre, so I had no idea what to expect from this movie. The previews vowed spectacle and adventure, with a cast that promised great things, and by these promises I was not let down. I was a little less than thrilled by the almost anti-climactic final showdown at the end, but the ride it takes to get there is worth the slight disappointment. The movie never tries to be something it’s not, never dons a cocky “look at me!” attitude towards its special effects or performances. Everything that happens serves the story; nothing is superfluous. In this summer of theatre-going audiences’ discontent, Stardust is like a nice root beer float - light, fizzy, and refreshing entertainment that succeeds in winning our hearts. Drink up and enjoy.
Grading:
Story = A-
Originality = B+
DVD Features = N/A
Acting = A-
Enjoyability = B+
Visuals = A
Overall = B+
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