Shallow retelling of the Perseus & Andromeda myth, all special effects and no soul.

Rating: 3/10 (2 October 2010)

This new version of Clash Of The Titans is a special effects movie – the problem is that beyond the special effects it has nothing to offer. No characterisation, no interaction, no sense of wonder and – worst of all – no evident narrative. The whole thing plays out like a series of random action sequences, with the deeper story that should link these sequences together completely left out. The 1981 version may have been childish and rather wooden, but at least it had characters worth caring about and unfolded in a way that was involving for the audience. That's what is lacking here – a sense of involvement. The incredible effects dazzle the eye but fail to engage the brain. Nor does it help that the Greek myth of Perseus and Andromeda has been altered so dramatically – why do contemporary film-makers insist on arrogantly rewriting things that have stood the test of time for centuries?
Rescued as a baby from a floating coffin, Perseus (Sam Worthington) grows up believing he is a fisherman. Only later does he learn that he is, in fact, the son of Zeus. Following the death of his family Perseus arrives in the sinful city of Argus, just as the citizens are being encouraged by their monarchy to denounce the Gods. Angry Zeus (Liam Neeson) sends down his black-hearted brother Hades (Ralph Fiennes) to restore order Hades promptly threatens to unleash the Kraken upon the city, unless the citizens sacrifice their princess Andromeda (Alexa Davalos). A small group of hardy soldiers set off on a quest, reluctantly joined by Perseus, to find a way of saving themselves and their princess.
There's really not much to add to what I've already said about this would-be epic. The performances barely matter when the emphasis is so obviously on the visual effects – beyond running, jumping, falling and fighting the lead actors have precious little to do. Worthington's accent wobbles between stiff English and Aussie brogue, but most of the time he just has to indulge in heroic posturing. It's quite galling to see the more distinguished talents of Liam Neeson, Ralph Fiennes and Pete Postlethwaite wasted in glorified cameo appearances. The cleverest touch in the whole film is when Perseus picks up a metallic owl and asks "What is this?". "Just leave it" replies a soldier with a rueful shake of the head. Those who remember the 1981 version will recognise the owl as one of Ray Harryhausen's many creatures that assist Perseus in his quest. A rare moment of wit in a largely shallow, forgettable and uninspired special effects farrago.