As close to a 'God of War' movie as we're gonna get

Rating: 8/10 (2 April 2010)

Having seen the original film, I would like to counter most of the criticisms being levelled at the remake by stating that the original has NOT aged well. 60% of the performances are ridiculous (borderline laughable) and the special effects, although cool, cannot possibly be taken seriously. When I went to see this, I expected a fun hack'n'slash creature feature, and I must admit (even though I can be a bit of a cinema snob) I enjoyed the hell out of this. It never tried to be anything it's not (it's far from being the next Lord of the Rings), but instead it revelled in ever visceral fight scene and breathtaking set piece. As a great fan of Greek mythology, I've been missing an epic mythology movie, and i got my fill with this (as unfaithful as it is to the myths- but it's an action movie at heart; who the hell cares if they took a few liberties with the source material?).
Liam Neeson and Raph Fiennes chew the scenery as only Greek Gods can to great effect- although I would have liked the story to have focused more on them and the other Gods. Sam Worthington is reasonably relatable and dynamic as Perseus, and Gemma Arterton claims her crown as the queen of unnecessary, bland, emotionless characters as Io (the movie would have been better off cutting her out, and having the other Gods taking her screen time- perhaps an actual God should have guided Perseus?).
Great quality CGI and set design makes for some breathtaking set pieces and scenery- particular favourites being the fight with Medusa in her lair, and the desert home of the scorpions. I have seen many incarnations of Medusa, and this was one of the better ones I've seen- a very threatening and intimidating presence for such a well recognised and cliché monster. Good costume design allows characters to shine (literally in Zeus' case, and figuratively in the case of the tree-man; I forget his name), and most of the characters are truly compelling and interesting to be around.
It does have its flaws- script doesn't really stand out at all, some parts are quite formulaic, few lapses in believability (damn Pete Postlethwaite did well getting his wife)- But it was a tremendously fun time at the cinema- I recommend it to any enthusiast of Greek mythology, the original film, or just straight-up matinée action. Just don't set your expectations too high!