Viewed in
2010
Premise
Remake of the 1981 Harryhausen movie.
Liked
The slightly improved storyline.
Hated
Crappy 3D.
Thoughts
I liked it over the original, but not significant improvement.
Storyline-wise, it was an improvement. Perseus had a mind of his own, instead of just being led around by gods. Hades made a more formidable antagonist than that jealous freak. The climactic battle between Perseus and the Kraken was actually climactic. Lastly, the mechanical owl was replaced with a babe, which improved two things: it got rid of that cursed annoyance, and broke up the monotony of the sausage-fest. Despite my hatred for that bird, I loved the shoutout to it.
In terms of special effects, they were "better", but it kind of lacked a charm of the Harryhausen stop-motion critters. In fact the whole movie lacked any pop. The dialogue was boring and stiff, very much like all the actors' performances. Not even Qui-Gon Jin (as Zeus) nor Voldemort (as Hades) could ham it up enough to make their power struggle interesting.
I intentionally watched it in 3D, just to see what bad 3D looks like. It was a waste of money. The whole movie was noticeably dimmer and duller, and there were many disorienting scenes. Sometimes further objects bulged ahead of closer ones, other times, the head would have definition but their bodies would be flat. This is what happens when you convert at the last minute, and poorly.
Thus, my 3D lessons are learned. One, do not watch haphazardly converted movies. Two, pay for high-end-high-quality ones only. The only theater I can trust is The Bridge in Los Angeles, and only the 3D IMAX or digital projectors. I like Real 3D technology, but it's got to be digital, which the Torrance AMC did not for Clash of the Titans.
Anyways, back to the movie. I think fans will enjoy the updated version, just keep it in 2D.
What I would change
Not bother with the shoddy 3D conversion.
Random
Do you really need a Dialogue Coach for a movie like this?
