almost flawless fantasy/adventure

Rating: 9/10 (24 November 2008)

This is one of those rare movies that I actually enjoyed more than the book it was based on. In fact I have almost no complaints about the film at all.
I liked the way the story was written, the dialog was fine, the cinematography was great, and the CGI was right where it should have been, playing a supporting role instead of dominating the movie and in your face. My interest was held and there was more than enough suspense. The transformation of the handsome Charlie Cox from fumbling dork into handsome prince was done believably and he was convincing in the role of Tristan.
Michelle Pfieffer (as always) was gorgeous, luminous and perfect. Deniro turns in a great performance as a closeted, cross dressing sky pirate, Peter O'Toole was a surprisingly pleasant cameo, and I really liked the way the ghosts of the brothers watched invisibly from the sidelines as they were offed one by one.
The only real complaint I have is the casting or Claire Danes & her accent. The accent to me was completely off and I thought, why not cast the British born Sienna Miller in the role of Yvaine and Danes in the minor role of Victoria? Or even another actress for Yvaine all together (for some reason i'm thinking Julia Stiles would've been really cute.) It's not that I dislike Danes, I just think she was kinda miscast.
Even with the Danes casting the movie still is more than worth the watch. Lots of adventure, magic & fantasy. A lot better IMO than the book it was based on.