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STARDUST
movie review by David Blackwell
128 minutes, PG-13
Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1
STARRING Charlie Cox (Tristan Thorn), Claire Danes (Yvaine), Michelle Pfeiffer (Lamia), Robert DeNiro (Captain Shakespeare),
Mark Strong, Nathaniel Parker (Dunstan Thorn), Sienna Miller (Victoria), Kate Magowan
WRITTEN by Jane Goodman and Matthew Vaughn (screenplay)
and Neil Gaiman (graphic novel) and Charles Vess (artist- graphic novel)
DIRECTED by Matthew Vaughn
STUDIO: Paramount/ Marv Films/ Ingenious Film Partners/ Di Bonaventura Pictures
Theatrical RELEASE DATE: 8-10-2007
PLOT SYNOPSIS: Tristan Thorn (Charlie Cox) is the son of a liason between his dad and a princess- slave of a witch. He wants
the love of Victoria. He promises to bring back a falling star for her. He must cross the enterance to another world that
is fenced off by a wall outside the village of Wall, England. However, he didn't expect the falling star to be Yvaine (Claire
Danes). He has to protect her from Lamia (Michelle Pfeiffer), an old witch who wants Yvaine's heart to stay young, and an
heir to the thorne who wants the damaged ruby that Yvaine now wears.
ANALYSIS: STARDUST is an enjoyable adventure romp. A well acted cast with vivid settings and a great story provide a
great deal. Robert DeNiro may be a little off in the role of gay crossdressing pirate Captain Shakespeare, but he puts his
all into the part. He and his crew operate a sky ship that captures lightning. STARDUST is a high quality fantasy adapted
from a graphic novel by Neil Gaiman and Charles Vess. Gaiman has written many fine fantasy novels (NEVERWHERE, GOOD OMENS
with Terry Prachett, American Gods) and comics (also a couple of screenplays- MIRRORMASK and the upcoming BEOWULF which is
trailered in front of STARDUST). STARDUST is in the same league as THE PRINCESS BRIDE. STARDUST is also a romantic comedy.
Where else can you see Robert DeNiro dance in women's clothes and a young farm lad transformed into an innkepper's daughter
by an old witch (and a goat into a man)?! Also a few veterans are in the film (Nathaniel Parker of Inspector Lynley fame,
Peter O'Toole).
To me, STARDUST is the antidote to all of the sequels and crap out this year. If you want something fun and funny, STARDUST
is the ticket.
this movie review is (c)8-21-2007 David Blackwell and cannot be reprinted without permission. send all comments to lord_pragmagtic@hotmail.com
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