When I first saw Stardust on the shelf of my neighborhood Movie Gallery, I didn’t have the highest expectations. I haven’t really been into fairy tales since the age of seven, and I definitely didn’t expect to find one that swept me away in 2008. So, why did I rent it? Intrigue.
My lack of expectations did not last long. Ian McKellen’s narration began booming immediately after the opening credit’s, and I was invested. Personally, I can’t think of a better way to start a fantasy adventure film. Just on the other side of a wall lies, a magical world of witches, stars, princes, ghosts, and an impassioned quest for true love…I found myself completely captivated with the imaginative tale based on Neil Gaiman’s graphic novel.
The film’s enamored hero, Tristian, embarks on a journey to bring back a star, Yvaine, to the woman who’s captivated his heart. The truth of his past, true love, and evil spells lay before him on a truly magical adventure that happens to be superbly casted. Peter O’Toole as the King and Michelle Pfeiffer as Lamia, the evil witch are fantastic, and then, there’s Robert DeNiro in drag commanding a lightning harvesting pirate ship as Captain Shakespeare. Not to mention an amazing cameo by Ricky Gervais with a nod to his series “Extras”. If that wasn’t impressive enough, Claire Danes, Sienna Miller, Charlie Cox, and Rupert Everett also star…no pun intended. Really.
In a film where stars are people, pirates fly, and witty dialog coinsides with an epic romance, I rediscovered fairy tales.
Oh, it’s also absolutely beautiful to watch.
Popularity: 26% [?]
July 9th, 2008 at 1:10 pm
I really loved this movie as well. I feel like it can now rest in the same category as greats like “The Princess Bride.” Also, Gaiman is a great author so that certainly helped things alone, I’m sure!
August 3rd, 2008 at 1:25 am
Brilliant!
September 28th, 2008 at 11:10 am
favorited this one, dude
October 8th, 2008 at 5:17 pm
omg.. good work, dude