Terrific special effects; rushed story and action; waste of money watching it in 3D.

Rating: 4/10 (2 April 2010)

Don't watch it in 3D. Why? Well because there's nothing special about it. A few moments of pop-ups here and there but that's it. Not even the magnificent Kraken or the giant scorpions can save this. As a reminder, this film was shot in traditional 2D and was about to be released when all of a sudden a little movie called "Avatar" broke box-office records with its groundbreaking 3D effects. So in any studio head's mind, 3D = big bucks at the box office. So they decided to up-convert this movie into 3D for the masses. Big mistake.
Why? Because it underwhelms the movie. Anyone expecting something remotely similar to "Avatar" or the recent "Alice In Wonderland" or "How To Train Your Dragon" will simply be disappointed. These three films were made with 3D technology, "Clash" simply wasn't. Therefore all you get is just depth of perspective, or dimensions behind certain objects and characters. That's it. The 3D version is a great disappointment.
This review is mostly to warn people not to watch it in 3D. Now having said that I have to admit the movie itself was good, solid popcorn entertainment. Oscar guarantee may not be found here, save for the special effects, which are simply dazzling and terrific, and may just be the best thing about the movie that makes it worth seeing. The CGI is extremely well-rendered and well-amounted, delivering just the right amount without feeling extremely overused. Some notable scenes are the giant scorpion battle scenes and the final scene involving the Kraken. It (effects) is simply mesmerizing.
The acting, while not reaching the heights of say, Pacino or Day-Lewis, is still adequate in my books. The larger-than-life San Worthington portrays the larger-than-life Perseus, a role that seems to suit Worthington well. Our boy Sam will definitely be in the Hollywood spotlight, and while this one is not that great compared to his efforts in "Avatar" and "Terminator Salvation", it is still Worthington that makes the movie as he has the most screen time than any other actor in the movie. The other actors are OK, with the exception of Liam Neeson and Ralph Fiennes, who chew the scenery when they're in it and they look like they're having a blast playing the two Gods.
In technical aspects, Louis Leterrier's kinetic direction ups the film above it's choppy editing and action scenes, rushed story and unimaginative story outline. Yes I am aware it is a remake of a film, and like most remakes, this one is not that good as the original; it just have special effects. The characterization in the original is gone here, leaving only mostly two-dimensional characters trying to save the day in a limited two-hour time constraint. The editing does not help either, rushing from one character's fight to another's in about half a second. The action, while solid, concludes all too soon. And the music score by Ramin Djawadi is a little bit too modern for this sword and sandal fantasy. On a positive note the cinematography is sweeping and the costume and production design and value are top- notch, pulling you into the past and getting immersed in the setting.
Despite some flaws, this new "Clash of the Titans" is not the great blockbuster many hope to be, mostly due to the great underwhelming 3D effects, but it is still grand, fine Hollywood entertainment at its finest. Watch it on the big screen in 2D, and enjoy this fine offering of CGI dessert after a year of Oscar nutrition.
Overall rating: 6.5/10 (Above average)