Clash of the Titans

Rating:
Summary: Cerberus had Three Heads ...
Review: That was the thought going through my mind when Perseus arrived at the Isle of the Dead. Growing up, this movie was my favorite when it came on HBO (which was pretty often since HBO was pretty new in the early 80s). My brother would tell me that I watched it every time it came on (and I probably did).

All in all, I think the mythology was pretty good (on a basis of look and not necessarily true accuracy -- I believe Pegasus was born from Medusa when Perseus killed her). The whole Isle of the Dead sequence was my definite favorite (that and the scene when the statue of Thetis' head came off and then the face came alive). Medusa was very creepy and Harryhausen's animation were perfect for her. Makes me wish the old stop motion effects would come back again -- it might be more expensive than computers but it has a certain ... depth and texture to it ... Of course I'm waiting with bated breath for the "Final Fantasy" movie to come out and "Shrek" was fabulous too ...

There was more nudity in the movie than I previously remembered but then my recent viewing was the first since the 80s, so I probably wouldn't have noticed it back then. It's amazing though what they used to be able to show in a 'PG' movie. Not that there was a ton of nudity or anything like that for those reading this and gasping in shock at the prospect of their kids seeing oodles of flesh. It was all tastefully done and brief glimpses ...

Anyway, I think this review is getting away from me so I better stop ... All in all I think this ranks right up there with the other Harryhausen classics (like "Golden Voyage of Sindbad", "Sindbad & the Eye of the Tiger", and "Jason & Argonauts").

Still ... Cerberus had three heads ... not two ...

Rating:
Summary: WHERE IS THE DVD - I NEED IT NOW, NOW!!
Review: This film is one of my top ten films of all time. It is a majestic display of mythology, and some timeless human archetypes. The cast is phenomanal with Sir Laurence Olivier as Zeus (who else could play Him), Ursula Andress as Aphrodite, Burgess Meredith as an ancient Greek playwright, Claire Bloom as Hera, Sian Phillips as Cassiopeia and many others. I was 10 years old when this came out (same year as Raiders of the Lost Ark - man what a summer for adventure films!) and it still impresses me today as much as it did back then. It also reminds me of the best time in my childhood, another thing among many that endears this film to me. The special effects by Ray Harryhausen are phenomenal, and still impress me more than those of the digital age (i.e., from The Mummy, which looks fake and lame). The music is great and inspiring, perfect for a film like this. This film is literate, it is poetic, it is engrossing, it is beautiful. I love it...oh Gaaaaaa!!! WHERE IS THE DVD, I NEED IT NOW!

Rating:
Summary: "Find and fulfill your destiny"
Review: Clash of the Titans. This is one of those film I loved in my youth, only to be astounded at how poorly it has aged. But perhaps that's because the style of the film belongs to the 1950's. The dramatic deficiencies of the stilted dialogue and laughably stolid acting are highlighted by the modern era in which the film was made. And perhaps most surprising, the spectacle of Ray Harryhausen's special effects are no where near as grand or effective as the work from his golden era. Indeed, Clash of the Titans showcases some of weakest work from the old-school FX master. Which is somewhat tragic considering that this was Harryhausen's swan song from the film world. The grainy matte plates and obvious cuts between actor and model are nearly embarrassing. Compare the work to The Empire Strikes Back in which stop-motion was employed with the tauntauns. There was no excuse for a fledgling company to trounce a thirty year veteran in the field. In the end, for a taste of what Ray Harryhausen was really about and why he became a cult legend, be sure to see Jason and the Argonauts. A film far better than Clash of the Titans.

Rating:
Summary: Come on MGM, where is the DVD already!!?
Review: This is by far one of the best films ever, perfectly blending and improving upon so many Greek mythological tales. Hamlin is perfect, Mrs. Bowker as Andromeda is hot, and Calibos, even though not a character from actual mythology, is one of the best villains of ALL time! I have no idea what critics are talking about when they say this is a "kiddie" movie. Andromeda is seen in full-frontal nudity! And there is quite a bit of darker themes woven in. And I cannot stand how people say that this is essentially a special-effects vehicle for Harryhausen's work. Remember, a script comes first without knowledge if it will ever be made, let alone who would be selected to create the special-effects! There are not too many "monsters" in the film either. Each one is there in a perfect form to provide very suitable transitions from one part of Perseus' quest to another. And where is the DVD (and it BETTER have some nice extras)!!??!

Rating:
Summary: I'm waiting.................
Review: When I saw this film I was a kid and enjoyed it very much,since then I saw it many more times and I like it very much BUT I have been waiting so long to buy the dvd version which isn't available yet,I'm going to wait more.....!

Rating:
Summary: Why is there no dvd for this classic film?
Review: This is one of the greatest films of my childhood, but I dont want to buy it on vhs, I want it on dvd, and its not avilable

Rating:
Summary: Where's the DVD?
Review: This is a great movie. But it should be on DVD.

Rating:
Summary: Ancient Greece meets Hollywood
Review: This movie can never get boring. The scenes are all packed with elements to make a great motion picture. Including romance, action, suspence, and even some humor. The most suspenceful scene in the movie is the infamous Medusa scene, where the serpent-like titan squares off with Perseus and his party. Of course I wont reveal this to you; you must see the movie yourself. But I warn you, dont look directly into her eyes. You may regret it.

Rating:
Summary: A Greek Myth comes to live thanks to Good Film making.
Review: This was the last movie to feature effects work by Ray (who retired after this movie was completed), and it's a very good film. Harry Hamlin and Sir Laurence Oliver lead a emsemble cast of actors in this movie based on the Greek myth of Perseus, who must save a princess Andromeda, from a sea monster. Suitable for all ages, ranks with the Seventh Voyage of Sinbad as one of the most entertaining fantasy films ever made.

Rating:
Summary: Classic Mythologic Saga!
Review: This movie includes most of the major greek mythological characters and stories, and uses fabulous old-school special effects to bring them all to life. I used to love to watch old movies like the adventures of Sinbad the Sailor, and old Japanese faves like Godzilla, and this flick uses the same somewhat-cheesy but super fun style to bring Pegasus, Medusa, and other beasties of Greek mythology to life.

The cast is great, too. My faves are the young, hunky Harry Hamlin, and a much younger Maggie Smith.

This movie's been a favorite member of my collection for a long while, and if you like mythology, epic adventure, and/or classic creature movies, you'll enjoy this one for sure!