Chock full of good, old-fashioned adventure, magic and true love
By Penina Wiesman
The previews for Stardust made it look so spectacular that I made a decision to see it as soon as I could. It's a fantasy adventure movie with what looked to be a top notch cast, an exciting story, and big effects. Plus, Robert DeNiro plays a pirate. Come on, was there any question I would be seeing this on the big screen?
Going in, I had certain expectations, and I am happy to say, they were all met. The visual effects and production design were both quite satisfactory but not self-important. Stardust's plot was exactly what I had hoped for. This may have something to do with the fact that the film has more English hands in it than American, which means a movie from the hearts of the filmmakers rather than the money-minded Hollywood studio execs. Director Matthew Vaughn and a large chunk of the cast and crew are all from the UK. Most importantly, screenwriters Jane Goldman and Neil Gaiman are also from merry old England. Gaiman is also the author of the novel the film is based on, which ensured both minimal corruption of the story and protection from the Hollywood Movie Monster. As a result, Stardust is wonderfully original and unpredictable, the characters are well-drawn and lively, and the humor is delightfully random and wry, without a drop of American cheese.
Stardust is about a magical kingdom existing literally alongside our mediocre universe, and the adventure that unfolds when someone from our world crosses the fence. The story centers around Yvaine (Claire Daines), a star that has been knocked out of her place in the sky, and a young man, Tristan (Charlie Cox), who crosses “the wall” to bring the star back home to impress the town beauty, Victoria (Sienna Miller). Tristan becomes involved in more than he bargained for, however, as several other parties are also searching for Yvaine for their own sordid purposes. The different character lines begin separately, but become inescapably intertwined as the film progresses. This is a dangerous feat to attempt, and yet the movie manages it with the utmost care, saving us from the disorganized confusion we experienced in the last Pirates of the Caribbean movie. Stardust is chock full of good, old-fashioned adventure, magic, death, and true love.
As he was one of the main draws for me, Robert DeNiro deserves attention. He plays Captain Shakespeare, a rugged, high flying pirate with a Brooklyn accent and a secret (if I were to say any more, it would ruin the moment of reveal, which is one of the best parts of the film). Shakespeare's crew is entirely British, and thankfully, DeNiro doesn't even attempt to mimic them, unlike Michelle Pfeiffer, whose faux accent is about as consistent as a pregnant woman's mood swings. In every other way, however, Pfeiffer is quite gratifying as Lamia, the villainous queen witch. Think Catwoman, but less leather and more evil than the devil. Props must also go out to Pfeiffer's make-up team, transforming her from old hag to young thing effortlessly, despite the fact that she is neither. Mention must be made of Charlie Cox, the young, practically unknown actor who stars as Tristan, and bears an undeniable resemblance to Orlando Bloom. Cox is young, but his acting is fresh, and so with luck, his similarity to Bloom will remain limited to physical appearance.
There are a lot of people out there comparing Stardust with The Princess Bride. Looking back, I can see some similarities (it's a fantasy adventure with monsters, princes, and comedic tendencies). However, I think Stardust is capable of standing on its own, as a fairytale worthy of the Brothers Grimm.
