CLASH OF THE TITANS (USA/UK 2010) ***
Directed by Louis Leterrier

CLASH OF THE TITANS has got mixed reviews and all those I know who have seen it either hate it or love it.  So expect to have solid action 3D ride or dismiss this latest Greek mythology adaptation as a complete waste of time.

The film’s start says it all about action French director Louis Leterrrier (TRANSPORTER 2) plan of action for the movie.  A very lengthy voice over explains all one needs to know about the Gods (Zeus, Poseidon, Hades, the humans and how Zeus, who controls the heavens feeds on the prayers of humans to survive etc.).  So expect no part of the film to continue to tell the story.  Most of the film comprises action sequences, mounted efficiently, one after the other, more exciting (thankfully) as the film progresses, with narrative tossed to the wind.  For action fans, this is the perfect actioner.  Even the romantic element is practically non-existent, except for maybe a touch on the chest by lo (Gemma Arterton) of the hero’s chest.

The plot concerns a war between the Gods and humans.  Demigod Perseus (Sam Worthington with a demogod body) is chosen by fate to battle the evil Hades (Ralph Fiennes) and save the human race and thus bring peace to the Gods and humans again.  But not before battling the dreaded Kraken and the Medusa beasts.  This involves a somewhat tedious journey in the process to visit some witches.

As far as the acting department goes, Worthington does the 3Daction hero bit well.  Liam Neeson as Zeus, is given a reverberating voice make-over, so that the screen shakes whenever Zeus speaks.  (You might want to bring earplugs!)

The 3D effects are minimal.  According to the film production notes, the 3D was added on as the film not originally intended for 3D.  It shows!  Don’t expect soaring 3D highs as experienced in AVATAR, ALICE IN WONDERLAND or HOW TO TAME YOUR DRAGON.  The action sequences are mostly exciting enough, which will have one at the edge of the seat, for sure.  The most impressive sequence is the hero’s fight with the Medusa beast.  This makes the battle with Uma Turman’s Medusa in the recent PERCY JACKSON AND THE LIGHTNING THIEF looks like something staged by a genius compared with by that of a retard. 

With minimal story, plot or character development, CLASH OF THE TITANS still feels too serious, say compared to the cheesy but fun 1981 version with Harry Hamlin.  The Gods are angry and the humans freak out in all dead seriousness virgin sacrificing.  Leterrier could have let into his film some humour, but action fanatics should not be disappointed.