Stardust casts spells on audience (Stardust (DVD))

Member Name: KMello

Product:	Stardust (DVD)
Date:	16/01/08 (94 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: A fun family flick that will entertain most fantasy enthusiasts

Disadvantages: Somewhat predictable

Adapted from Neil Gaiman's novel, 2007's "Stardust" brings romance, action, comedy and fantasy to the big screen. And who can complain?

PLOT
********************
It all begins when Dunstan Thorn, played by Nathaniel Parker ("The Haunted Mansion"), ventures beyond Wall to an enchanted land and meets a stunning slave girl. They have an evening of bliss before Dunstan returns to his land. Nine months later, Dunstan learns the woman had a son, Tristan, who she sends to him to take care of. Tristan grows up and longs to win the heart of Victoria, the town beauty. To do so, she requests that he go beyond Wall to retrieve a fallen star. When Tristan begins his journey only to find out that the star is a striking woman by the name of Yvaine, his adventure truly begins. As it turns out, he is not the only one seeking the star. And while Tristan's intentions are well, others are not. On his journey with Yvaine he will meet gruesome witches, flying pirates, greedy princes, a goat turned human and true love.

In addition to having an assortment of genres rolled up into one movie, "Stardust" has an outstanding cast.

CAST
********************
Charlie Cox- Tristan Thorn
Clair Danes: Yvaine
Michelle Pfeiffer- Lamia
Robert De Niro- Captain Shakespeare
Sienna Miller- Victoria
Rupert Everett- Secundus

There are several other smaller names on the bill as well, but the main cast really "shines through" in this storybook tale. Most can agree that De Niro's name alone can sell a movie. But when he can be seen playing a role that is somewhat opposite of his usual machismo ones, it makes it all the better.

Pfeiffer's character was also believable, but that could also be because she plays an old hag of a witch who longs for everlasting youth. Sorry, but she is definitely no Catwoman these days.

I was especially impressed with Cox's performance. He hasn't been in any blockbuster films, but "Stardust" is sure to pave the way for many more roles for this talented actor.

CINEMATOGRAPHY
********************
Thankfully, a good portion of the movie was done the old fashioned way. While a lot was done with Computer Generated Graphics, it did not go overboard. It was just enough to cast that magical appeal and not make it look too cheesy.

PERSONAL RATING
********************
Overall, "Stardust" is a great family movie. Fantasy lovers will also enjoy this flick. The acting was done well, casting was on the dime and the plot was slightly predictable, yet entertaining. I give it a B+/A-.

ADDITIONAL DETAILS
********************
"Stardust" has a running time of 127 minutes and is rated PG-13 for some fantasy violence and risque humor.

Can be purchased from Amazon.com for £12.98.

Summary: Stardust is a fantasy film with other genres meshed in. Overall, it's a good movie.