Clash of the Titans

Just as you're recovering from your bi-weekly trips to see Avatar in the theaters, actor Sam Worthington returns in Clash of the Titans, which is unnecessarily being offered in 3-D. I find myself delaying the inevitable three-dimensional takeover as I saved $3.50 and saw the 2-D showing. But, my personal struggles against the megaplex are not nearly as interesting as this film.

Based on the 1981 film of the same name, Titans follows Perseus (Worthington), the human son of Zeus, on a journey save to the world from Hades and his forces of evil. The premise may not be the most original story ever told but the action and epic fight scenes were always going to be the film’s strengths, and they were.

Perseus and a small group of soldiers encounter a good amount of mythical creatures on their way to the final showdown, but the story flowed in a way that kept it from being predictable. Clocking in at well under two hours, the film wastes little time with filler, giving way to an exciting and concise storyline.

One result of the short length was a need abbreviate some plot points that I’m sure looked great during pre-production but were just fragmented and unnecessary in the end. One such example is the use of two hunters as part of the guard that accompanies Perseus. They provide a little comic relief but they are introduced as if they will play some large role and nothing really ends up happening with them.

The hunters and other minor players are sacrificed to develop the essential characters, and with Liam Neeson as Zeus and Ralph Fiennes as Hades they needed to be given their share of screen time. Both actors had strong performances although it would have been better if Fiennes didn’t use the same voice, and mannerisms he uses as Voldemort in the Harry Potter movies. Neeson tends to be memorable in every role he plays and this is no exception.

A large cast of actors who prompt the audience to ask, “What else are they from?” fill out the movie. There’s a good chance a number of them will be playing leads in the near future, because they did well. Worthington is still yet to match his strongest performance to date from Terminator Salvation, but I had no issues with him.

Clash of the Titans is a different movie from the original. It may contain quite a bit of special effects, but it is definitely epic. So, if you’re looking for something artsy with the subtle hints of independent cinema, see something else, because Titans is exactly as it appears, one big Greek myth full of monster whooping. (8.5 out of 10)