Stardust

[bredon7777]

I'm really shocked that no one has posted anything about this amazing, wonderful movie- one of the best of the year.

I mean, I knew it was going to be good as soon as Neil Gaiman's name came up. But I was truly blown away by how magical it was- I understand the reviews calling it "this generations Princess Bride."

The acting was also excellent to go along with the wonderful story- special commendations have to be given to Michelle Pfeiffer, Claire Danes and Robert DeNiro (and, without spoilers I have to add that role must have been a BLAST to play for him).

I'm trying not to go into details in order not to spoil anyone, but I urge everyone to go and see this- you will not be disapointed.

[TheMarvell]

The movie previews had me curious. It looks like it could either be good or really, really dumb. But it's been getting good reviews so I'll have to check it out sometime. I'm completely unfamiliar with the graphic novel though.

[catwhowalksbyhimself]

I've always thought this looked like it needed checking out, and I still do.

[Mr. Hamrick]

I loved it despite the changes from the book to the movie.

Amazing enough, everyone I went with pretty much liked it too.

[Uncle Yuan]

The movie previews had me curious. It looks like it could either be good or really, really dumb. But it's been getting good reviews so I'll have to check it out sometime. I'm completely unfamiliar with the graphic novel though.

Graphic Novel?  I know it as a novel - anyone know which came first?

[catwhowalksbyhimself]

According to Wikipedia, the graphic novel (actually meant as an adult storybook.)  was first.  Because the author had the copyright to the text, but not the graphics, the book was later published with just the text.

[Alaric]

I've been meaning to start a thread about this...

I loved the movie. Strongly recomend it to anyone and everyone. It's much, much better than the previews would indicate.

[Mr. Hamrick]

According to Wikipedia, the graphic novel (actually meant as an adult storybook.)  was first.  Because the author had the copyright to the text, but not the graphics, the book was later published with just the text.

I believe the Wikipedia entry may not be entirely correct there.  Neil states on his blog that after the initial publication that his publisher has wished to publish it in novel format without the picture.  The implication was so they could market it toward an adult audience.

[captainspud]

Just saw it with my dad, it was pretty good.

I'd describe it as "Narnia, with fornication". Not the ACTUAL third word I'd use, but language filters being what they are...

[GogglesPizanno]

I'd describe it as "Narnia, with fornication".

I actually got more of a darker Princess Bride type of vibe...
I enjoyed it a lot more than I was expecting to.

[captainspud]

Wasn't nearly funny enough to be compared to Princess Bride.

[GogglesPizanno]

Wasn't nearly funny enough to be compared to Princess Bride.

Oh I totally disagree...

While it wasn't as funny in terms of obvious "jokes", it had a very dark, dry sense of humor about the whole thing...
In that way, It has that same quirky off kilter fantasy feel to it like the Princess Bride did.

I mean that first sequence with Peter O'Toole and his sons...

[captainspud]

It had funny parts, yes, but most of the movie was an adventure. Princess Bride was unique in that the dialogue was solid and entertaining all throughout, not just in certain sequences. Whereas this one had a lot of clichéed elements and drab dialogue that stopped it from being anything more than "Generic Narnia Clone #426". It was entertaining, yes, but it's definitely not going to be the "anything" of this generation. This movie will be largely forgotten before it even falls off the new releases wall at Blockbuster.

The reason Princess Bride has so much charm is that it freely cops to the clichés it's using. When the story gets too sappy, the characters recognize it. The over-the-top acting demonstrates that the movie knows exactly how silly it's being. It uses the clichés as a basic setting, and then tells a creative story on top of them. Whereas Stardust goes the other way-- it tells a generic story in a unique setting. Thing is, you only get so many points for window dressing. When it all comes down to it, Princess Bride did something really original and risky, whereas Stardust was a very safe play. Epic story, pretty people, gorgeous effects... I'll take your money now, thanks.

I'm not saying the movie was bad. It was very well-done and was well worth the $10. However, it just didn't have the spark of originality needed to make it anything beyond "good".

[GogglesPizanno]

Its funny that I find Narnia absolutely unwatchable, so for me, Stardust had "something" more than just a Narnia clone.
But that's me...

We'll just have to agree to disagree about this one...But continue to acknowledge that Princess Bride is awsome.  :D

[bredon7777]

Spud, has anyone ever told you you don't have a single shred of poetry in your soul :lol: ?

[captainspud]

Poetry is the camouflage cowards use when they lack the courage to stand by their true words.

[GogglesPizanno]

Poetry is the camouflage cowards use when they lack the courage to stand by their true words.

And sometimes it tells of the amazing true stories of a talented woman from Nantucket....

[stumpy]

I liked Stardust. It was a good (if not completely original) story, well told and well-acted.

I will tend to agree that it isn't likely to be this generation's anything. It just isn't unique enough, aside from the star power behind it. Of course, that alone will help it out...

I would not tend to call it a clone of the Narnia movie, mostly because that sort of implies that Narnia is the original movie of the genre. BTW: "Narnia, with fornication"? No. There isn't enough of the latter in the movie to make that a good characterization (and what little is there, is totally implied, none on screen in any way).

But, if the previews are any measure, there is a truckload of similar movies coming down the pike. I am not sure if any of them will be exceptional, though I am curious that so many movies of this sort are relying on bigger name stars (Nicole Kidman, Daniel Craig, etc.).

Speaking of previews, I will probably at least see Beowulf, if it looks halfway decent.

[TheMarvell]

actually I'd like to commend you Spud. That post of yours was really well written and a great summary analysis of the film and comparison to Princess Bride. From the looks of it, should I ever see the film, I'm going to totally agree with you just by how you worded it.

[Uncle Yuan]

actually I'd like to commend you Spud. That post of yours was really well written and a great summary analysis of the film and comparison to Princess Bride. From the looks of it, should I ever see the film, I'm going to totally agree with you just by how you worded it.

Oh lord, don't encourage him!

[Mr. Hamrick]

actually I'd like to commend you Spud. That post of yours was really well written and a great summary analysis of the film and comparison to Princess Bride. From the looks of it, should I ever see the film, I'm going to totally agree with you just by how you worded it.

Oh lord, don't encourage him!

i second that motion.  don't encourage him at all!

[captainspud]

*cackles madly*

[TheMarvell]

hey, I gotta give props when I feel it's deserved  :D

[JeyNyce]

*cackles madly*

Oh no, My Mod senses are tingeing

[Figure Fan]

*cackles madly*

Oh no, My Mod senses are tingeing

Heh..

I have yet to see this, as well.

[BentonGrey]

Well, the wife and I saw this last night, and it was DEFINITELY not what it was billed as.  I HATE it when they show misleading previews for movies, which they seem to be doing more and more.  It was billed as a fantasy epic kind of adventure, but it was more of a kooky adventure flick.  Don't get me wrong, I thoroughly enjoyed it, but I was definitely surprised.  It was hilarious as often as it was exciting, which just wasn't what I was expecting.  I LOVED the dead prince chorus, although it took me a while to figure out that they couldn't be seen.  Robert Dinero's  character twist was.....unexpected, but still turned out to be hilarious....just REALLY weird.  All in all, it was a great flick, but I imagine many people will be disappointed (as my wife was) because it is not as advertised.

[Sword]

*just to get on nerves, encourages spud*
He's right. Stardust just isn't that great, despite the source material.