Pleasant surprise; well constructed fantasy adventure

Rating: 9/10 (5 September 2007)

What's not to like? Vindictive witches, a magical star that moonlights as a beautiful woman, seven brothers--all possible heirs to a vacated throne--picking each other off, a Medieval Las Vegas, a gate guardian who does kung-fu, flying pirate ships, wild swashbuckling sword play; this movie has it all.
A great fairytale style adventure for adults, although a little too violent in places for kids. Fantasy stories are often difficult to write, as the author has to create an entire world, but the land this story takes you to is given more than adequate foundation, and the back stories of the numerous characters are developed quickly and clearly. Basically, there are "two worlds," one of scientific law, and the other where magic governs. They are separated by a stone wall, with one single gate of passage. Entry from the "real" one into the "fantasy" land is restricted by an old guy who beats the snot out of interlopers.
There are several subplots, but the one prize everybody wants: the witches, the princes, a gypsy, a star crossed lover, and a few others is a woman who is sometimes human, sometimes a stellar object (don't ask, just believe!), and she has a power they're all after. Extremely well written, all these interlocking subplots converge for some good old style fairy tale good vs. evil fireworks. Acting is superior throughout; the witches are scary, the backstabbing princes are nasty, the star/woman is indeed "heavenly," the spectator ghosts are amusing, the pirates are both greasy and funny, the hero easy to root for. Special effects are devised and utilized very well.
It's obvious from the start how everything will work out, but it's a fairy tale, so that's to be expected, and it certainly doesn't take anything from the entertainment value of the movie. One of the better jobs of storytelling done this year; recommended.