Ironically, Clash of the Titans isn’t far different from the original 1981 camp-fest. In fact, if it wasn’t for the special effects, this remake would seem like something out of the eighties. It embraces its cheesiness. It is over-the-top and fits right in with the sub genre of fantasy camp i.e. Flash Gordon, Conan the Barbarian, etc.
At first, it’s an odd experience watching Clash of the Titans. One moment you’re laughing and the next moment you’re curious if you were supposed to be laughing. Is this self-aware? Or is this the common case of something taking itself too seriously? Then again you realize there’s blood morphing into scorpions, that practically answering the question by itself. This is a film that, in the end, knows exactly what it is.
After centuries, it’s once again God versus man. Or, in this case, gods versus man. After the humans start biting the hand that feeds them, Zeus (Liam Neeson) and his creepy brother Hades (Ralph Fiennes) decide it’s time that those humans are “reminded of the order of things.”
Zeus gives Hades free reign to make the first strike, which gives him more power since he feeds off fear. During his first attack he makes the bad mistake of killing the step parents of a demigod by the name of Perseus (Sam Worthington), the son of Zeus. He’s vengeful, akin for revenge against the gods. Now, he’ll finally get his chance. After Hades’s warning of releasing the Kraken he has ten days to save the day, get his revenge, and to save the life of Andromeda (Alexa Davalos). Unlike the original, he has a genuine motive. On his brisk adventure he faces off against a series of monsters, makes new friends, and even (somehow) falls in love with an ageless woman named Io (Gemma Arterton).
Like most adventure films, this is extremely episodic. It comes off as set-piece after set-piece, never quite making for a coherent narrative and always feeling choppy. The film simply never takes its time to slow down. For some action films, that’s a blessing. Here, it’s mixed bag. Most of these episodes are a joy to watch, but perhaps if the pacing wasn’t so rapid it could have been more than just a popcorn movie. Would it have been great? Most likely no. But it would’ve made for a more convincing narrative and satisfying storytelling.
As for the film’s silliness, Neeson is hamming it up beyond a point of return. Fiennes’ is doing nothing but scenery chewing. It all makes for entertainment, but its a tough tone to strike. But for the most part, they seem to know what they’re doing. Pros like that add a credibility, Fiennes makes for a menacing villain and Neeson once again reminds us how powerful of a screen presence he carries. Most of the performances fit into that realm. They know what movie they’re in.
With Unleashed and The Incredible Hulk, Louis Leterrier cemented himself as a studio director to watch. He’s got a style, knows how to produce breakneck pacing, and is capable of some rather excellent action sequences. Does he continue this streak for promise? Yes. One of the reasons why the film is so enjoyable is because of Leterrier’s direction. He’s more than capable of framing action and giving a perfect sense of geography, it’s not constant cutting. The director strives for nothing more than being a fun popcorn movie and in that regard, it succeeds in both intentional and unintentional ways.
Note: Don’t see this in 3D. It feels tacked on, adds nothing, and the dimness takes away from Leterrier’s lush style and his gorgeous locations. And don’t expect much of Danny Huston, who is wasted as Poseidon.