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Stardust (2007)An adaptation of the Neil Gaiman novel of the same name, Stardust brings a strong cast together for an enjoyable family feast, with plenty to enjoy.
Stardust mixes in romance and adventure, all in a fantasy movie guise, as it follows Tristan on his quest to retrieve a fallen star for the beautiful Victoria. Only it soon becomes clear that there's a lot more going on as Tristan makes his journey (not least a companion more diverting than the aforementioned Victoria). Michelle Pfeiffer, for instance, returns to high profile movie making (after quite a break) in the role of the evil witch, while there's space too for Robert De Niro's pirate and an odd cameo from Ricky Gervais. Seemingly one of a wealth of family films that made it out of the blocks off the success of the Lord of the Rings trilogy, Stardust doesn't quite hit those heights, but it has quite a sporting go. It's an uneven tale, albeit one told with enough passion and enthusiasm to encourage you to cut it some slack. And when it gets to the end of the last reel, it's hard to feel shortchanged by what you've just seen. For while Stardust has problems, it also has laughs, adventure, action and a whole lot in its corner to recommend it. And it is worth your time and attention. --Jon Foster |
Average User Rating: 80% (126 Reviews) | |
| 4 / 5 | Faery fantasy. Not hugely original but some nice tweaks
Hooligween "Rowena the Red" (Kernow, Great Britain) - 30 November 2007 Neil Gaiman, who wrote Stardust, is a treasure of modern storytelling. This film of his novel is superbly realised and absolutely worth watching. It improves with repeated viewings, in fact. Gaiman wanted to write an old-fashioned Edwardian fairy-story, full of flying ships and unicorns and evil witches, beautiful maidens and handsome young men coming of age and falling in love. So he crammed all of that and more into the story, and the film absolutely sparkles with the threads of the story and the characters. You may find many of the themes familar, but that's because it is supposed to be a traditional fairy tale. The fun is all in the polish and the performances. It's a two hour film, which might be a bit long for younger children to sit through, and there are a couple of points where the action slows down (when the love affair develops) which kids will find fidgity. However the majority of the movie absolutely romps along, following the young hero on his quest to find a fallen star and bring it (her!) back to impress his girlfriend. There are also some scream-aloud funny bits. Kids will love the boy-transformed-into-girl moment; adults will crease up at the sight of Robert de Niro doing the can-can. There's a sly wit about the whole film; look out for the bit about the drooping boobs... Unlike many fantasy films you don't have to sit through endless trudging across hillsides in the rain. The quest is the backbone of the story but the joy of Stardust is the sheer creativity and richness of each scene. You can relax and leave the plot to get on with itself, and sit back and enjoy the superb performances (Michelle Pfeiffer is particularly good as the beautiful-evil old crone) and each sparkling scene. Definitely worth watching several times, because you'll see much more of the detail with each viewing. If you didn't catch Stardust at the movies then that's a shame, because some of the dazzling quality of the effects will be lost at home. So watch it on the biggest screen you can -- and in HD if you've got it. This is one film that's definitely worth it. Excellent entertainment for adults; young children might need a break halfway through. Afterwards, it's a film which will leave you feeling happy, uplifted. Not too many of them around, so make the most of it! ... Read Full Review » |
| 5 / 5 | The most breathtaking film I have seen for years
MM Turner "Martin Turner" (Birmingham, England) - 2 May 2008 I've just watched this film four times in three days. It is, quite simply, the most breathtaking film I have seen for years. Based on -- and improved upon -- Neil Gaiman's book of the same name, Stardust is the ultimate fantasy-adventure for the entire family. There are three really great things about this film, two of which are extensions of what is in the book, and one was developed by Gaiman and his co-workers for the film after the book was finished. The first great thing is the depth and originality of the magical world he creates. Gaiman's Faerie is as rich and detailed -- and exuberant -- as Hogwarts, though it's a darker place. The film brings to life the wealth of detail which was in the book. Despite being laced with special effects, this does not come across as a special effects movie, because every magical transformation is demanded by the plot and flows instinctively from what was there before: a wonderful example of Aristotle's 'likely impossible' being better than an 'unlikely possible'. The second great thing is the depth of characterisation. It's unusual in a fantasy film to have the level of bickering and banter that we get in this film. It's unusual in any genre to have an exquisitely observed romance develop before our eyes, against the wishes of both main protagonists. The film builds new characters, such as Robert de Niro's gay pirate Captain Shakespeare and Ricky Gervais's wheeler-dealer fence, which add additional resonance (and humour). It also nicely develops the characters of all seven sons of Stormhold, and nicely polishes the ghosts. The third great thing, which is not in the book, is that Stardust the film has a very, very exciting plotline. Gaiman wisely omitted a number of details, and simplified the rather complex relationships. This created the space to focus on the real action, to introduce the pirate interlude, and to replace the entire ending with the most gripping and thrilling magical battle I have ever seen in a film. The last twenty minutes is all new material, making the story infinitely stronger and more satisfying. This is neatly underlined by the reprise of all the surviving characters in the coronation scene at the end -- a very nice touch indeed. Fairy tales need to be told and retold, and improved as they go. Gaiman has seized the rare opportunity of telling his tale better the second time around -- though the original novel was nothing to be sniffed at -- and he and his co-workers have created a masterpiece. I loved this film, and would recommend it to anyone -- something helped by the removal of the sometimes explicit references which occasionally crop up in the book. This is not a 'great' film, in the sense of Dr Zhivago, Lawrence of Arabia or The Great Escape. It does not attempt to solve the great questions of human existence, or to plumb the depths of tragedy. But it is the finest film of its kind I have ever seen. One more thing: both in the film and the book, there are elements which have obviously been 'inspired' by other fantasy writers. With becoming modesty, Gaiman, in the epilogue to the book, acknowledges these. The references are not plagiarism, but tributes. The film is all the stronger for them.... Read Full Review » |
| 5 / 5 | Really quite good
spidermangeek "Go, spidey, go" (UK) - 7 December 2007 This is actually a really good film. I think the acting was VERY good, especially from Charlie Cox, Claire Danes, Robert De Niro and my highlight Michelle Pfeiffer. I really enjoyed it and unlike some films, came out feeling really good. This is your perfect feel-good film and throughly enjoyable. Story is weak in parts, but doesn't matter in the slightest. Really good. |
| 5 / 5 | For grown-ups, too!
Marie (North West (U.K.)) - 28 February 2008 This is destined to be a favourite "watch" for any rainy afternoon, for me! At just over two hours long, it might be thought to be a bit much, but it's worth factoring-in to your life. The usual fairy-tale basics are there - and a few refreshing tweaks, too. I loved Robert De Niro's gay pirate Captain, and his lambs-in-wolf's clothing crew! There's a bit of violence, but it's very well handled - not too scary for little 'uns. Altogether, a great afternoon's family entertainment. ... Read Full Review » |
| 5 / 5 | Stardust - Brilliant!
K. Angus (Scotland) - 20 November 2007 I saw this at the cinema recently- what a terrific film! Read the novel years ago, heard it was coming out as a movie... waited patiently... Exceeded ANY expectations! Bought the Soundtrack, and the Take That single "Rule the World" - get 'warm fuzzies' every time I hear the song... cried my eyes out at the film :) Can't wait for the DVD... A real 'feelgood film'! |
RRP
£20.00
Release Date
25 February 2008
Price Range
£4.99 - £14.99