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Release the Kraken!
Fantastic. I am SO glad this film didn't let me down. Based on the feedback of some of my trusted mates, I watched this film with my dad in 2D, and both of us could NOT shut up about it after we watched it. It's everything a Greek mythology film should be: powerful Gods, fantastic fight scenes, stunning visual effects, the ethereal beauties, and humans who perform feats worthy of the Gods.
Perseus (Worthington) grew up knowing he wasn't the real son of his parents, Spyros (Postlethwaite) and Marmara (McGovern), who were humble fisherfolk. During an excursion off the coast of Aethiopia, an attack by a fierce sea monster (later revealed to be the offspring of Hades, God of the Underworld) causes their fishing boat to be capsized, and Perseus' adoptive family all drown. Perseus is then led by the Aethiopian soldiers into the court of King Kepheus (Regan), and his defiant wife, Queen Cassiopeia (Walker). When Cassiopeia boldly boasts that her daughter, Andromeda (Davalos), could easily rival the beauty of Aphrodite (Deyn), Hades (Fiennes) appears, and ends up killing most of the soldiers in the court. Perseus is spared, much to the surprise of Hades. Hades then kills Cassiopeia for her insolence, turning her into a withered old woman until she dies of old age. Next, he proclaims that the Kraken will devour the entire kingdom unless the Princess is offered as a sacrifice. Perseus is then thrown into prison by Draco (Mikkelsen), one of the King's best soldiers. He later admits a young woman into Perseus' cell. She is Io (Arterton), and she has watched over Perseus since he was a baby. She was the one who led him to his foster parents, and has been guiding him until the day came when it was time for him to take his destiny into his own hands. Perseus then embarks on a journey which will lead him against the formidable Medusa (Vodianova), whose stony stare is the only thing which could stop the Kraken.
Things I Loved About the Film:
1. How Liam Neeson (Zeus) says the line: "Release the Kraken!"
- Normally, actors (and even normal people) would shout this line. Instead, Neeson delivers this line forcefully without actually raising his voice, that you honestly believe that he is issuing an order that MUST be obeyed. Respect, fear, and obedience are expected in that one line, and it was fantastic how Neeson said it using only the tenure of his voice.
2. Medusa wasn't completely a monster.
- In Greek Mythology, Medusa and her sisters still retained vestiges of their former beauty, and I was happy that Medusa (save for when she exercises her deadly glare and the form of her body) looked beautiful in her normal state. Plus, she becomes even deadlier because she wields a bow and arrows.
3. The casting of Neeson and Fiennes as Zeus and Hades, respectively.
- Perfect actors who blended into their roles. Plus... have you noticed how uncanny their resemblances are when they have beards and shaggy hair? :D
4. The Olympus scenes
Although they didn't show the other gods and goddesses as they did with Zeus and Hades, the scenes in Mount Olympus were fantastic nevertheless. Here was a place where the Gods held precedence, and you could imagine them discussing the affairs of humans, as well as plotting and scheming behind each others' backs.
5. The subtle chemistry between Perseus and Io
- No frenzied kisses - their gazes said it all. Plus, Perseus gave a wisecracker line when he and Io were training for his fight with the Hydra:
Perseus: "I just wish I didn't enjoy this so much."
Io: "I'm trying to help you survive."
6. Draco's last act before being turned to stone
- For a man who's been serious throughout the entire movie, Draco smiles a split second before being turned into stone. That definitely moved me; he may have been serious while he was alive, but his intent was to remain smiling forever. And his last line was a classic: "Tell them men did this."
Probably the longest review I've done. Do I even need to tell you that you SHOULD watch this film? Plus... isn't it obvious that I'm completely in love with it? :p
