Greek mythology is full of stories of extraordinary heroism and romance, thrilling danger, and weird and wonderful creatures. It is hardly surprising that movie-makers are able to find interesting potential for big screen fantasy films from such material. Indeed, the only surprise is how few Greek myths have actually been adapted into movies over the years. The Hercules story has been done to death, admittedly, and who could forget Jason And The Argonauts? But many of the other well-known Greek myths haven't yet been seized upon by producers, writers and directors. Clash Of The Titans is a reasonably enjoyable, somewhat over-acted entry in the mythology/fantasy stakes which takes its inspiration from the myth of Perseus and Andromeda. The film tells its story with almost childish simplicity, but there's certainly a level of innocent fun to be gleaned from viewing it.
Princess Andromeda (Judi Bowker) is promised as the future wife of Calibos (Neil McCarthy). Calibos is the son of the Goddess Thetis (Maggie Smith) who lives on Mount Olympus with all the other deities. When Thetis falls out with the supreme God, Zeus (Laurence Olivier), the latter transforms Calibos into a fearsomely ugly and deformed monster. Angered at this, Thetis threatens to unleash a terrible beast called the Kraken upon the world unless Andromeda is offered as a sacrifice to the creature. A young hero named Perseus (Harry Hamlin) - spared death by Zeus when he was just a baby - is called upon to rescue the princess. His quest is virtually impossible, and involves him surviving various tests and challenges if he is to succeed. Amongst other things, he must capture the flying horse Pegasus; solve an impossible riddle set by Andromeda's mother Cassiopeia (Sian Phillips); face the terrifying Stygian witches; sever the head of the hideous gorgon Medusa without getting himself turned to stone; fight against the monstrous Calibos; and somehow defeat the gigantic Kraken before it devours poor Andromeda. With great courage, Perseus sets about completing the many tasks appointed to him - but every moment he loses completing the challenges brings Andromeda closer to her horrible sacrifice. Will Perseus be able to reach her in time?
Clash Of The Titans is one of those films that bears a degree of nostalgic value for anyone who saw it as a child. If your first viewing of the film is as an adult, it is unlikely to make much of an impression; but there is something appealing about its plasticine monsters and diverse adventures for the younger crowd. Hamlin is remarkable stilted as Perseus, but Bowker looks appropriately virginal as Andromeda - the supporting characters are portrayed by a roster of big stars in extended cameos, ranging from the deliciously hammy Olivier (as Zeus) to the charismatic Burgess Meredith (as a wise playwright who gives Perseus a helping hand). The likes of Ursula Andress, Claire Bloom, Flora Robson, Maggie Smith and Jack Gwillim provide amusing performances as various gods, goddesses and monsters. Ray Harryhausen's stop-motion creature effects are entertaining as always, even if they seem a little jerky for a film made in 1981 (the post-Star Wars years, where the nature of special effects had changed considerably). Photographically the film is a bit murky, and director Desmond Davis presents it all in a rather by-the-numbers fashion. However, Clash Of The Titans is a passable fantasy flick on the whole, and definitely a good choice if you need to keep the kids quiet.
Princess Andromeda (Judi Bowker) is promised as the future wife of Calibos (Neil McCarthy). Calibos is the son of the Goddess Thetis (Maggie Smith) who lives on Mount Olympus with all the other deities. When Thetis falls out with the supreme God, Zeus (Laurence Olivier), the latter transforms Calibos into a fearsomely ugly and deformed monster. Angered at this, Thetis threatens to unleash a terrible beast called the Kraken upon the world unless Andromeda is offered as a sacrifice to the creature. A young hero named Perseus (Harry Hamlin) - spared death by Zeus when he was just a baby - is called upon to rescue the princess. His quest is virtually impossible, and involves him surviving various tests and challenges if he is to succeed. Amongst other things, he must capture the flying horse Pegasus; solve an impossible riddle set by Andromeda's mother Cassiopeia (Sian Phillips); face the terrifying Stygian witches; sever the head of the hideous gorgon Medusa without getting himself turned to stone; fight against the monstrous Calibos; and somehow defeat the gigantic Kraken before it devours poor Andromeda. With great courage, Perseus sets about completing the many tasks appointed to him - but every moment he loses completing the challenges brings Andromeda closer to her horrible sacrifice. Will Perseus be able to reach her in time?
Clash Of The Titans is one of those films that bears a degree of nostalgic value for anyone who saw it as a child. If your first viewing of the film is as an adult, it is unlikely to make much of an impression; but there is something appealing about its plasticine monsters and diverse adventures for the younger crowd. Hamlin is remarkable stilted as Perseus, but Bowker looks appropriately virginal as Andromeda - the supporting characters are portrayed by a roster of big stars in extended cameos, ranging from the deliciously hammy Olivier (as Zeus) to the charismatic Burgess Meredith (as a wise playwright who gives Perseus a helping hand). The likes of Ursula Andress, Claire Bloom, Flora Robson, Maggie Smith and Jack Gwillim provide amusing performances as various gods, goddesses and monsters. Ray Harryhausen's stop-motion creature effects are entertaining as always, even if they seem a little jerky for a film made in 1981 (the post-Star Wars years, where the nature of special effects had changed considerably). Photographically the film is a bit murky, and director Desmond Davis presents it all in a rather by-the-numbers fashion. However, Clash Of The Titans is a passable fantasy flick on the whole, and definitely a good choice if you need to keep the kids quiet.