A Modern Fairytale to tell your Children

Rating: 9/10 (2 March 2008)

On seeing the Stardust Trailer upon the Tele-box, I didn't expect much. Just another quick fantasy-tale, I thought. Not something worth watching.
However, I was convinced by a friend of mine to go and give it a try. I thank the creators of Stardust, for it has really iterated the phrase "Don't knock it until you've tried it." While far from completely true to the book, Stardust is a sweeping tale of fantasy, love, violence and magic. There are moments of complete and utter tension, which is occasionally followed by swift and witty humour. The chemistry between Claire Deanes and Charlie Cox is highly prevalent throughout the film, and the clichés to the stereotypical fantasy story are there and are sometimes incredibly funny.
Some scenes and characters are actually surprising in how well they are played and scripted. Robert De Niro's portrayal of Captain Shakespeare is a totally new direction to most of his threatening, hard-man character, one which he pulls of with amazing potency and skill. Charlie Cox truly does the character justice, and I'm sure we'll see more of him. While unable to outshine the great De Niro or the gorgeous Pfeifer, he has this spark and talent to him that we saw in both of the A-list stars early performances. Claire Deanes once again proves herself to be both absolutely stunning on screen and able to act very well indeed. The Pirate scene where Prince Septimus boards the vessel is brilliantly choreographed, with the fighting and music timed brilliantly.
Matt Vaughn has done well in differing from his usual films, such as Layer Cake, to create an honest and spectacular adaption to the book.
My only comment is that I occasionally felt slightly bored, mainly during the Inn-scene. Michelle Pfeifer was almost too homely. I'm sure others will disagree, but I didn't feel that horror and tension I really should have.
Nonetheless, anyone who enjoys a Fairytale that will surprise you with it's combination of hilarious humour and magnificent storytelling, this Film is for you.