Clash of the Titans

A much lesser evil after a second viewing. The biggest flaws (Leterrier's botched direction of everything, rip-offs at every turn, the absolutely plankish Worthington, the terrible music) remain, but once you're sort of prepared for what you'll see it gets a lot more digestible. Two and a half stars. (20/04/2010)

I'd be happier if this version wasn't so sure of its position as a remake (see the owl scene). As a standalone film, it might be more acceptable, but the additional fact that it's supposed to be the first part of a new trilogy is just another load of crap. In terms of the formal aspects, the film is a strange mix of almost TV-like scenes, supplemented here and there by effective (kitschy) shots of landscapes or sunsets. The dreaded monsters are more disgusting than scary, and the gods forgot their glow back in the 1980s, which isn't exactly great either. The acting is unfortunately completely lacking. Hans Matheson and Polly Walker are not the worst of the bunch, but they also only have miniscule roles. The same goes for Mads Mikkelsen or Luke Evans, but I didn't even notice them until much later. I'm really not an uncritical admirer of the original film, but this film is hopeless, where the only good thing is the few minutes spent with Medusa. (29/11/2011)

This remake of a famous fantasy adventure can’t even hold a candle to its 30 year older predecessor. The film is packed with action, but everything seems too fast, without emotion, without thought and, most importantly, without suspense. Those who were looking forward to the thrilling duels with Medusa and the Kraken will be disappointed, because this duo, who managed to create so much tension in the original version, are not much more than a blink in the story and you don't even get to enjoy them properly. Also, Sam Worthington, with his charisma, is unable to fulfil the role of the fearless and valiant son of the ruler of the gods and please the female part of the audience. In short, everything is bad... 35%. (13/07/2011)

When the remake of Clash of the Titans was announced some time ago, a large part of the audience rejoiced that in the new version, Perseus' story would be more than just a fairy tale embellished mainly by nostalgia. It would be visually attractive, adequately action-packed, or refreshingly adventurous. But when the remake came to theaters, the original film suddenly became an untouchable Hollywood legend, and the tricks that seemed inappropriate in childhood memories became a pleasantly old-fashioned spectacle. For me, the original will remain a pleasant reminder of bygone years, but Leterrier's version, that's a different story. Perseus as a vengeful and determined warrior, his companions more than just an anonymous group of helpers, the beautiful Io, and above all, the entire second half of the film that doesn't give you a moment to breathe, turning attractive popcorn into an unforgettable journey through Greek mythology. Although this battle with the gods is far from flawless (I was getting into the pace very slowly until Perseus sets off from Argos), I am very willing and happy to watch adventure blockbusters, just like Greek myths. (20/04/2010)

More than a remake of Clash of the Titans, this is more an abortive attempt at adaptation of the computer fight game Titan Quest. P.S.: It is very telling that the only (yes, the only!) bright moment was thanks to the weakest link of the original (yes, the owl). (13/04/2010)