Stardust (2007)

among the stars

Let me start by stating that if you watch Stardust the movie hoping that it achieves the aura of Stardust the book, you will be disappointed. That, however, is the fate of most book into movie productions. Stardust the book was magical because it is made of words. Stardust the movie is made of images and it is unrealistic to hope that it could capture the essence of the written version.

That said, Stardust the movie has its moments. Clare Danes makes a luminous star, Charlie Cox a credulous young hero, and deNiro has a great time camping it up in his role as secretly gay pirate captain. Michelle Pfeiffer is less successful as the witch; either of her two crone sisters could have done better. There are more than a few problems with the story line, which, especially at the start, jumps about in a confusing manner.

It is in its individual scenes that this movie shines. Seeing a dying prince bleed blue blood. Watching the 6 dead brothers in their ghostly throng, bearing their slashed throats and axes in the head. The Capt. Hook - style sequences with the air ship. The fairy tale backgrounds and the gypsy wagon. The special effects, which, while not spectacular, do their job. The developing love story. It isn't perfect, but Stardust is good entertainment, fun to lose oneself in on a rainy evening. If you enjoy the movie, you owe it to yourself to read the book. It's even better. August 15, 2008

Utterly breathtaking!

Stardust is a movie that constantly takes my breath away each time I view it, everything about it, from the visuals, music, acting, characters to story are so beautiful and magical. This movie will definitely go down as a cult classic!

FYI I bought this edition and the Region 4 dvd because I kept feeling like there were some changes made to the movie... and I was right. This Region 1 version has a few extra minutes of footage that the Region 4 dvd does not. August 9, 2008

I haven't had this much fun since the Princess Bride!

This is a hilarious take on the fantasy genre, and if you enjoy witches, magic and comedy all rolled into one delicious package, then you should see this! August 7, 2008

Stardust

Great movie for both adults & children. Definately a movie that I'd watch again when stuck inside winter time. August 5, 2008

Robert DeNiro In Drag

This is a charming family entertainment with a preposterous plot line: witches, magical transformations, and all the rest of the panoply of fairytale lore. What makes it special are the cameo roles from Peter O'Toole, David Kelly, and Ricky Gervaise - and most of all the superb Salty Dog/Drag Queen role for DeNiro which so obviously delights him that it delights the viewer too. This is one of those movies that you watch again and again for the small details, the moments of magic that occur in the interstices of the plot-line which add up to a cumulative pleasure not easily surpassed. If you don't happen to have small children, try to rent a couple for a few hours in order to justify watching this movie at least once. July 29, 2008

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