A lovely sprinkling of Stardust

There were three generations of our family at the cinema for the magnificent Stardust, which says it all really: we all enjoyed it on many different levels, and the age range was between 5 and 50-something, with myself somewhere in the middle :)

It's primarily a children's film, probably more so for slightly older ones, yet there is enough to keep the accompanying adults interested too. (Often when escorting my children to the cinema, i take earplugs and use the darkness to catch up on lost sleep - but not this day!)

There are several strands to the story going on at once. There is the romantic love story between the two (equally pretty) leads, Tristan and Yvaine, which begins when he goes to catch a falling star for another girl and......the star turns out to be Yvaine, and the adventure starts from there.

Unfortunately, he is not the only one pursuing her, and not all with good intentions either: She is being sought by 3 evil witches, and an assortment of princes, both dead and alive (well, it is fantasy!).

With a great script by Jane Goldman (aka Mrs Jonathan Ross) the film shows great lessons in the perils of vanity and of judging by appearances etc. Ironic really.... :)

I was slightly worried at one point that the heirs to the throne that kept on being killed in slightly gruesome ways was going to be upsetting for the youngest member of our party, but I needn't have worried - even events like this are handled with such charm and humour that it seems okay. The 'PG' rating is correct , in my experience. There are some 'comic horror' moments, and really it will depend on the sensitivity of each individual child.

Michelle "I think I look like a duck" Pfeiffer is great, and beautiful as ever, as the leader of the witches, and there are great spooky special effects as she ages, gets young again, ages again, etc etc (art mirrors life?) I particularly like the spectacular tantrum that causes the entire palace to break up!

There are many stars to look out for during the movie, famous faces appearing briefly and often hidden under latex, which is an added entertainment.

The highlight for me comes about halfway through with the introduction of Robert De Niro as Captain Shakespeare, who claims to be a rough and ruthless pirate, but harbours a shameful secret.....the moment when we intrude on him in a private moment and uncover the true Captain, actually make me laugh uncontrollably in the cinema, as it was so unexpected.
De Niro, the 'serious method actor' is equally talented in comedy, watch the film and you will see what I mean. :)

A brilliant way to spend a couple of hours, and if you like Take That there is the added bonus of their "Rule the World" theme tune to enjoy. Pure joy , in my opinion!

Will Tristan and Yvaine end up together ? Will the witches get her heart? Will the princes get her head? Will it all end happily ever after? Well it is an intensely feel-good film.... I couldn't possibly spoil the surprise by telling you that! Let's just say that, with this film, it's all about loving the journey, not just the destination: There is so much detail and charm all the way through, it deserves at least a couple of viewings to catch up on anything you might have missed the first time. Brilliant.