paulclaassen
This was so typically American. Another cliched fantasy action with way too many obvious blue-screen shots, trying to make the action as fantastic as possible but failing in the process. Terribly unconvincing. The eye-candy made it worth the watch, nothing else...
Gregory Mucci
First off, let me say that this is no 300. Now I don't mean that in the sense of right and wrong, epic versus mediocrity, pretense over context. Where 300 was a film that indulged in state of the art motion capture, green screen fight scenes in order to recreate Frank Millers artistic vision, Immortals takes a nobler approach to the creative process, wielding an almost poetic spear in the fight for swords and sandals supremacy. What 300 managed to do was become art through imaginative showmanship and unwavering confidence in its pursuit to thrill audiences, very much akin to the once original video game series Dynasty Warriors. Immortals attempts artistic merit immediately upon conception, heading in a direction that the PS2 masterpiece Shadows of the Colossus took back in 2005. With Tarsem Singh's flashy yet bold directing, those looking for another 300 may be greatly disappointed, however those willing to embrace the auteurs unique vision will be shown a sleek, violent and almost lucid dream only a true poet could ever dare to dream.Loosely based off the Greek myths of Theseus, the Minotaur, and Titonmachy (a ten year war between the Titans and the Olympians), Immortals gives us a play on plays, dismissing the archaic means of Greek archetypes and offering up a sleeker, more palatable tale. Beginning with the barbaric and god loathing King Hyperion (Mickey Rourke) unleashing the Titans, Immortals rewinds to shift focus on Theseus (Henry Cavill), a peasant who was closely cared for by an elderly disguised Zeus (John Hurt). After witnessing the death of his mother Aethra (Anne-Day Jones) at the hands of King Hyperion, Theseus bands with fellow prisoner and thief Stavros (Stephen Dorf), as well as oracle Phaedra (Freida Pinto). Guided by Phaedra's visions of the future and watched over by the gods, Theseus and his small band of followers attempt to thwart King Hyperion and his army from discovering the lost Epirus bow and destroying the gods forever.If you've seen Tarsem Singh's previous works of The Cell and The Fall, then you've already been well acquainted with his elaborate costuming and painterly quality he brings to every scene, crafting scenes worthy of framing. What many will think with Immortals is that it's a visual 300 mock of unimaginative proportions, with bronzed and shaded abs slowly gliding across bleak, sanded plains. While at times this can be true to an excruciating point, there are frequent illuminations of gorgeous reds and golds, heavenly blues and purples that splash across a too often insipid canvas. Watching a young Zeus (Luke Evans) clad in gold plated armor look down from the heavens is like gazing into the essence of a renaissance painting, witnessing symbolized beauty in pure breathtaking form. With an embrace on bright colors, it's tremendous relieve that Tarsem refrains from the overly computerized spurts of bright red blood, instead shifting focus on elaborately suggestive costumes. For a lot of directors working today it's the subtleties that allow them to shine, while Tarsem Singh manages to reveal brilliance by showcasing everything.Hindering Immortals is the inclusion of two generic and exhausting characters that plod piecemeal alongside those with intriguing ideas and historically extensive pasts. Stephen Dorf as the thief Stavros, oddly toned and disproportionate, knocks around alongside Theseus like a buddy comedy, tossing out cut and paste dialogue that feels misplaced next to its visual poetry. Receiving the same treatment is King Hyperion, who gets whipping boy and traitor Lysandor (Joseph Morgan), working pathetically as a counter point to Theseus' determination. It's uncertain what use both attempt to become, as in the end they feel like nothing more than cheap filler amongst a plethora of wealthy characters that drive the film towards its spectacular and borderline tragic ending.Receiving vast comparisons to 300 is an inevitable consequence to a money seeking promotion, and an unfortunate one at that. Immortals stands tall amongst the latest in slow motion, green screen swords and sandal epics, beating its chest amongst a pile of successors, some worthy while most ill deserved. Tarsem Singh is an artist first and foremost, treating action with the same detail a painter gives the background; its important to capture the small detail, but never let it overshadow what's most important. In the case of Immortals, what's important is the molding of a fabricated yet historically based tale, one that offers lavish color with classic emotion, standing out as a work of art. While there are certainly languished moments of dialogue amidst the prose and visual splendor, there isn't nearly enough to cave in a film like Immortals that stands as tall and strong as the body and heart of its protagonist.
nlmike
For a movie with this budget i was sorely disappointed, even with my mind switched off.The acting of the main characters was decent, which for John Hurt means he is just talking like usual. And as always it is a pleasure to hear him.First the good stuff, The action is nice and hard, 300 like. and the bad king is properly brutal.That part was enjoyable.Now for the bad part, Rubber armors that flop around (talk about an immersion breaker), a bunny helmet, punk helmets, ridiculous story, bad speeches, cliché one liners...I am sorry to have to say that for a movie in 2011 it is shameful..Don't waste time on this and watch our hero shine in man of steel.
