Clash of the Titans vs the 1981 Version

Rating: Null/10 (16 August 2011)

We finally saw the 2010 remake of 'Clash of the Titans'. Overall I liked it better than the original. The original was always a bit to cutesy for me with that mechanical owl and all. BTW, he did do a short cameo in the remake. The effects on the climactic scene with the Kraken were more realistic in the new version, but lacked the charm of the Ray Harryhausen creation for me. I preferred the 1981 Kraken design. The remake's Kraken looked like a giant creature from 'Aliens' more than a creature from Greek mythology IMO.
I did like Sam Worthington's Perseus better than Harry Hamlin's. But Hamlin's looked more like my idea of a Greek hero. For instance the new Perseus' hair was too short and he seemed more like a Roman Gladiator. The English accents didn't help. Yeah, I know, who's to say an American accent is better for the parts. For me it took away from the film. But, I still preferred the new Perseus anyway. He seemed tougher and less boyish.
I also preferred Liam Neeson's Zeus to Laurence Olivier's interpretation. For me Olivier's was too over the top and Shakespearean. Like he thought he was on stage again. I felt like Olivier was given free reign with the role and nobody dared direct him otherwise. He also seemed too feeble for the all powerful king of the Gods. Liam played the part nicely and had the presence. But even so I have a hard time deciding whose delivery of the famous line "RELEASE The KRAKEN !!!" was better. They were both fun to hear in different ways.
The Gorgon in the 2010 version was better. Giving her a pretty face with snake hair was a good idea. The movie story says she was once a great beauty. Her appearance gave a hint of what she once was.
I also liked the twist on the ending and who the woman would be that Perseus loved and would find happiness with.
BTW-I'm happy to see there is a 'Clash of the Titans 2' in post production with most of the cast returning. I do wonder why Gemma Arterton as Io is not listed. Especially the way the first one ended.