The New Clash is Classic

The modern telling of “Clash of the Titans” is a mixture of the 1981 film of the same name and the loose interpretation of the Greek mythology behind it, culminating in a fun and action filled adventure for audiences to get a kick out of once again. Being a prime candidate for a remake, “Clash of the Titans” finally brings to life the Gods and monsters in a way they can truly be thrilling to watch. With the addition of special effects, the film has fulfilled its potential and brought beloved characters Perseus, Zeus, Pegasus, Medusa and the Kraken back to the big screen. Featuring a great cast, big effects, and a legendary story, this film couldn’t have brought forth a better attempt at a remake.

The legendary story starts with Perseus, played by Sam “Avatar” Worthington, who is the son of Zeus, played stoically by Liam Neeson. Perseus is half mortal and half God, making him a demi-God, but is raised by a mortal fisherman and denies his God-like background and abilities. Zeus, in the meantime, is troubled by mortal humans turning their backs on the Gods. To remedy this, he mistakenly accepts help from his darker brother Hades, played by Ralph Fiennes. Fiennes could easily pass as Neeson’s brother, and they both are fun to watch playing opposite sides of the Gods-spectrum.

Worthington is shaping up to be the 3-D movie king, after his lead role in the behemoth “Avatar” and now the lead in the 3-D “Clash of the Titans.” Worthington does a good job of bringing us a Greek demi-God who could look tough in a skirt, and fight against mythical creatures, being a likeable character all through the film. The soldiers who fight alongside Perseus through his journey to save man from the wrath of the Gods are entertaining and provide chuckles throughout with the bit of cheekiness which is part-homage to the original, and part inherent to a fantasy story.

The Gods may take themselves seriously, but the film doesn’t, and this is what makes it succeed.

The addition of 3-D comes off as somewhat of an after-thought, where many scenes do not seem enhanced or even in 3-D at all. The film could definitely be enjoyed on the same level without the addition of these effects and is probably just a casualty of the current 3-D mania in theaters.

Although laden with effects, they are executed in a fulfilling way, and animate those things which need animation- like the giant sea-monster the Kraken, and the winged horse Pegasus. With an ideal running time just shy of two hours, it moves fast and doesn’t leave room for long, drawn out explanations or monologues. It does just what it’s meant to do; be a fun, entertaining ride and a stroll down memory lane for those of us enchanted by the 1981 stop-motion animation of the original.

“Clash of the Titans” does not detract from the novelty and joy of the original 1981 Ray Harryhausen vision, but instead breathes life in a new way to this story. Amid its hopeful success, it will also cement the original film as a classic in its own rite.