Clash Of The Titans

Year: 2010
Director: Louis Leterrier
Cast: Sam Worthington, Liam Neeson, Ralph Fiennes, Gemma Arterton, Mads Mikkelsen, Alexa Davalos, Jason Flemyng, Pete Postlethwaite


The trailer to this movie has to be the most kick ass trailer of the year, featuring non-stop action accompanied by rock music in tune. It's pretty hard to say no to watching the film after witnessing that.

Clash Of The Titans is a remake of the 1981 film that starred Harry Hamlin in the lead role, and featured stop motion animation effects, which was great in its time, but outdated compared to the Avatar level effects we have now. The story is based on Greek mythology, about Perseus, the half human son of Zeus, King of the Gods, who lives a normal life with his human family as a fisherman.

Then one day, his family is killed by Zeus' brother Hades, simply because they were in the wrong place at the wrong time. Hades was attacking a group of men who destroyed Zeus' statue. Men have grown weary of the gods' actions and now seek retribution. Hades strikes at the kingdom of Argos and threatens to unleash his pet beast, the Kraken on them unless they sacrifice their princess, Andromeda.

The king of Argos learns that Perseus is the son of Zeus, and asks him to lead his men on a journey to find a way to kill the Kraken. Joining them is Io, an immortal who has watched over Perseus since he was born. They embark on a journey to see the Stygian witches, who may know how to kill the Kraken. However, Hades has other plans, which include killing Perseus and overthrowing Zeus.

After seeing this film, I must say that Greek mythology is indeed fascinating to behold. We have gods, demigods, beasts and many otherworldly creatures to look out for here. With Louis Leterrier, the man behind The Transporter and The Incredible Hulk at the helm, Clash Of The Titans is nothing short of exciting action and splendid effects. There isn't a dull moment in this film as we constantly move from one setpiece to another, one battle after the next, so it doesn't overstay its welcome.

Having an all star cast sure helps a lot too. Sam Worthington once again becomes the reluctant hero he has played before in Terminator Salvation and Avatar, which means that he doesn't really have anything new to bring to the table, but what's important is that it works. Liam Neeson succeeds in being the regal Zeus while Ralph Fiennes is effective as the corpse like Hades. Initially I thought Fiennes would channel Voldermort into his role, but thankfully he doesn't, at least not too obviously. I also thought Gemma Arterton would be a disastrous choice for any role in any film, but she isn't too bad as Io here. I still think she needs acting lessons though. Mads Mikkelsen gives a memorable performance as Draco, leader of the army that accompanies Perseus on his journey.

You know, almost every review on this film that I've read has been negative, saying it has no soul, not fun, silly, inaccurate and not as good as the original. I can't say anything about the original, having not seen it, but I do think this version is fun. Sure, it has its flaws, like its anti-climactic final battle, but overall I had a ball watching this. You can say that Clash Of The Titans isn't quite as epic as a film of its genre should be, and thus it's like getting fast food when you ordered five star cuisine. But my first goal in watching a movie is to be entertained, and that's what I got here. That's what really counts.

From the way it ended, there ought to be a sequel. I certainly hope so, then Leterrier and company can try redeeming themselves to those who disliked this film. But go see this, if you can help it. (4/5)