Well.... I kinda liked it.

Rating: Null/10 (4 April 2010)

Okay, look, for me this film is a vast technical improvement over the one starring Harry Hamlyn toting a clockwork owl. Now, having said that, I've got to admit that like Variety's Brian Lowrey, I too felt like I was watching a rehash of Jackson's "Lord of the Rings", only set in Ancient Greece with a few minor alterations here and there.
Otherwise, I liked the film. Oh sure, the dialogue was canned, as was the dark feel of the film (a thing I didn't like), but it was entertaining. Truth be told the SFX did overshadow what could have been a better film, but the acting is what it is, solid, not really outstanding as this really isn't high drama (though it could have been).
The action scenes and the brooding by the characters holds back a better film. But the story is solid. In fact, I'd say it's better executed than the original, which to me always felt like a Disney film gone bad.
If I had another complaint, it would be that there's a lack of grittiness about this film. Everything seems to have a dark fantasy sheen painted over it. In fact, with all the twirling overhead shots, browns saturating the picture, and other Pete Jackson like trademarks, I wasn't sure if in fact I wasn't watching a film secretly directed by Peter Jackson himself!
The original film was nothing to brag about. Okay, it took a classic myth and put it on screen, and did so with a kind of artistry that small boys (my friend included) enjoyed, but, beyond that, in spite of a solid cast (Olivier, Meredeith, et al) it didn't fly very well. This new iteration of the classic tale does a slightly better job.
Things to improve upon; lighten up the colors and frame for Zeus' sake. Let us see the true color of the water. I mean this is supposed to be the Mediterranean, not the North Sea. Let us see how Greeks lived. Heck, you don't have to show us an olive press or winery, but show us more than just the Greek equivalent of Japanese citizens running from a mythological Kaiju.
Art direction, other than what I just mentioned, is top notch, though one gets the sense that not all of the props were used to their fullest. That's more of a story fault, if anything, but, the story is what it is, and it's not that bad.
I've got more to say, but I'll let it be for now. It's not the best film ever, but it's got some minor redeeming qualities.
Take a chance, but don't pay extra to see it in 3D.