MOVIE REVIEW: Stardust

08/10/07

One of the main reasons people go to see movies is to escape the reality of their lives and immerse themselves in the story being told or to just simply be entertained. Instead of taking drugs or drinking large quantities of alcohol, I like to escape by watching a good movie. To me it’s like therapy. This one is a superb choice for doing just that. What a journey! Sure, this might not exactly be the best fantasy movie ever made, but it does the job of transporting you to another world full of magic and wonder. It’s like that bedtime story that you never got tired of hearing as a child. I would be so bold as to say that it’s the next best fantasy since the Chronicles of Narnia.

The story takes place in England where a town borders a magical land, Stormhold, separated by a wall. The aging king (Peter O’Toole) of Stormhold is unable to choose his successor out of his 3 remaining sons so he releases a jewel that flies into the sky and knocks down a star. This falling star is actually a beautiful girl, Yvaine (Claire Danes), who takes possession of the jewel. The king’s sons are after the jewel in order to become the next king, a band of powerful old witches lead by Lamia (Michelle Pfeiffer) are after the star for its rejuvenating powers, and Tristan (Charlie Cox) is after the star to give as a gift in an attempt to conquer the heart of his obsession, Victoria (Sienna Miller). Their lives intertwine as they each try to complete their quest.

A good measure of the success of a fairy tale film such as this one is the connection one makes with its characters. This fairy tale does not fall short. The character development was just enough to get you hooked and to feel for each of them individually. From the star, Yvaine, to Tristan’s mother (Kate Magowan), down to the first mate on Captain Shakespeare’s (Robert DeNiro) vessel, you get attached. Speaking of Captain Shakespeare, OMG! Words cannot describe DeNiro’s role in this movie. You will not believe your eyes. Priscilla was speechless. Another shocker is seeing Michelle Pfeiffer look old and ugly. But as old and ugly as she looked at some moments, she looked just as beautiful in others. She is another case of someone who defies time. My favorite character has got to be Yvaine, the star. Even though this was not a flawless performance by Claire, and Yvaine at first was a little hard to swallow, Claire’s beauty totally illuminated the character, literally. There are few things more precious than making a beautiful woman glow.

The plot of this film was quite imaginative and yet simple enough to follow comfortably. The dialogue, however, did not keep pace at times. Luckily the talented cast helped you get passed the rough edges. The cinematography also helped. Beautiful views and sets along with a modest amount of special effects and CGI helped preserve the illusion of being transported to this place. Writer/Director Matthew Vaughn (Layer Cake) as a director in only his second major motion picture is off to a great start. We can expect wonderful things from Mr. Vaughn. In the meantime, be on the lookout for any falling stars, no not Lindsay or Britney, I mean from the sky.

Review By Cine Marcos
cinemarcos@smartcine.com

People Movie Review Stardust

HYM

If people would keep on comparing the novel with the movies, no one would ever make a movie from a novel if it would mean they have to please all those hardcore fans. There are certain limitations to a movie as there are certain limitations to a novel IMHO.

Anyways its a great FUN movie to watch. Dont watch it as a (trying) film critic.
But instead watch it like when you were a kid. Just enjoying every second of the story and not counting how many deviations and errors it has from the novel. :)

Watching a movie is supposed to entertain... not to trivialize. To each his own i guess. :)

Shirley	100
Thought this was one of the best movies I have ever seen. It grabbed me from the first scene to the last. The dialogue of "Stardust" with the mouse is among the most beautiful ever recorded on cinema. I am so glad I decided to spend my Sunday afternoon enjoying this gem!

Amanda	100
I just saw this movie and was pleasently, no shocked at how much I loved it. I am a very cynical movie watcher always dissatisfied but, this one kept my attention and the story behind it was wonderful, I reccomend it to ALL ages!!!!

Melinda

100

OMG! OMG! OMG! I absolutely loved the movie!!! In my perspective, Stardust way topped all three Pirates of the Caribbean movies. It was awesome. My #1 favorite movie and when it comes out on DVD I will be the first to own it!!! I read the book before I saw the film. I thought it followed the book acceptionally well compared with Eragon, which was completely different. I have seen Stardust twice in theatres and I can't get enough. And it helps when there's a hot guy like Charlie Cox in there, too!!! CYA!!!

PiP	90
Great movie! Entertaining and funny, had me wanting more. If you enjoy fantasy this is a great movie for all ages.

Devin

While it was entertaining, I hated the movie. Compared to the book, this movie was almost completely redone away from the book. The ending especially was completely different than that of the book. 20 minutes into the movie, I wanted to leave and get my money back for the waste of time. Yes there were some comical parts, but the movie took out too many things and redid to many things to make it a mockery of the book itself. Worst movie I have seen so far in my view.

dna	30
I love fantasy movies, and thought this will be great.... but no. It was just ok. When they try to include funny things, it looses its magic. I didn't believe it... not that I was supposed to believe there is a wall somewhere in England, but it didn't touch my sense of fantasy. ...........The special effects were ok...however they should be backed with a great story, and this movie lacks of it.

Whitney	100
Amazing movie... Probably my favorite so far this summer!

Bea	100
This movie was really good!! I wanted to watch it as well as Hairspray, but I chose to watch Hairspray first because I have been waiting for it for ages, but it turned out to be a little disappointing. Stardust, however, exceeded my expectations. While I don't really like Claire in Romeo & Juliet, I liked her in this movie. And Charlie Cox looks so much better with long hair!!

Wendell	100
Everything about the movie is really good except for this line: "a star can never shine with a broken heart." awww... so cheesy... nevertheless, the movie is awesome... one of the best and kudos to Robert De Niro for playing his character well... so hilarious. I never thought De Niro can pull out that kind of character... well, he did.

Maggie	100
Excellently visual. the effects are amazing. great story line. full marks all round!!

Nina	60
Quite adventurous movie with a bit of humor and romance but a little bit twisted when robert de niro met charlie cox (handsome man!)... i also like michelle pfeifer being an ugly witch (horrifying) and hate claire danes with her bald & naked eyebrows (look like ghost)

Shan Shin

100

I rmembered wen I was a child..my mother would tell me bedtime stories about princesses/princes ..I began dreaming of these fantasy things to happen in my life.. but wen I grow old, I have realized that fantasy could nver be in reality..after watching this movie I have realized that what makes a person's life meaningful is to let fantasy be a reality..I think I'm in love with this movie..espcially the OST rule the world by take that..

Andrew	100
Best movie ever! I loved it! I hope they make a part 2 (second movie / sequal) to this! I really enjoyed this movie and give it 10 starts, 100 rating, BEST EVER! :)

anonymous

This was a great great movie! lol it was almost as good as one of my best dreams. I'm going to read the book as soon as i can. The plot was really good. i like this movie because it has a little bit of everything; action, romance, drama, and just a little comedy. I'm only giving this movie a 90 because I've seen better but it was still really awesome. I really liked the part where he dumped his old girlfriend. lol it was kinda funny how he just dropped her on the ground. I want to know where you can get the book in paperback.

Peazo

100

For every kid that grew up on "The Princess Bride", "Legend" and "Willow", this really is a touch of magic. A perfect fantasy tale that captures the imagination and the heart. If you like the genre then films like this don't come around very often which is a pity, but for that reason I enjoy these gems all the more. Wholeheartedly recommended. Grab a slice of this celestial pie as soon as you can. :-)