When the original is better the critics get harsh - but it could be worse

Rating: 7/10 (18 April 2010)

Yes, we all loved the original movie and it is interesting that it is still so intriguing. This film as a remake has failed, but standing alone it is worth seeing it.
It is better not to argue about the original Greek mythology, when it comes to that, even the old clash would be a disappointment. No, modern movies are defiant of what is classical Greek, but every era has it's own version of the ancient beliefs. A new Clash of the Titans had to be somewhat faster, more cruel and have more action to get any crowd in the theatre. Times change and so does the audience. And hey, what do we have here? A fine cast consisting of two of the best actors in the business: Liam Neeson and Ralph Fiennes. Harry Hamlin was the better Perseus than Sam Worthington, because he reflected the naïveté, fear and male beauty better. Without having seen Hamlin, Worthington is also fine enough as main cast.
The original had the mechanical owl Bubo, the remake has beautiful Gemma Arterton as newbie helper. Bubo brought a bit of humour in the old story, while semi goddess Io is too important up to the point that the characters of Andromeda, Cassiopeia and the Olympian goddesses get forgotten. The attraction between Perseus and Io should have been better embedded in the story or -at best- not be there at all. Also the "Djinn" race has too much of a "Alien"/"Autobots" style and doesn't belong here neither. On the good side we have a much better view on the accompanying soldiers - one must love Mads Mikkelson, doesn't?
The action is fine, the images were great, especially landscapes the Underworld and the city of Argo. Yes the new techniques can work wonders, and if you despise digital imagery don't go watch a movie like this. The old filmmakers would have loved the possibility to create worlds like that.
You will get entertained if you don't insist on the remake being a real remake or being a better version of the original. You have to go there and enjoy the newest version of a Greek classic with a fine cast, appropriate portions of action and state of the art imagery. If you are a lover of deep emotions, intriguing plots and dialogues you can pass on this Clash.