Immortals (review)

 

DIRECTOR: Tarsem Singh (director of The Fall)

STARRING: Henry Cavill, Mickey Rourke, Freida Pinto, Luke Evans, Stephen Dorff

GENRE: Mythology/Fantasy/Action

RATING: MA

RUNNING TIME: 110 minutes

King Hyperion (Mickey Rourke) attempts to find the Epirus Bow, a Godly weapon which has the power to release the Titans. The Gods, unable to intervene by their law, place their hopes in peasant Theseus (Henry Cavill). A skilled warrior who lacks faith, Theseus seeks to avenge his mother who was killed by King Hyperion.

Sadly this movie suffers from heavy handedness. The cinematography and direction were overwrought and although there were moments where they came together to create something visually beautiful, there were an equal number of scenes which came off as too staged. Similarly the music, although wonderfully epic, was almost too immense for the movie and created cheesiness instead of drama.

For what admittedly appears a B-grade film, the acting was actually a saving grace. It’s always a struggle to deliver the stoic lines of a righteous man or vain God without an air of self-mockery but the cast play their roles with absolute sincerity. I can’t help but see Henry Cavill’s Theseus as preparation for his role as Superman and no doubt it played a part in him getting cast. John Hurt is a delight as always and Mickey Rourke very sinister as King Hyperion. 

The visual effects and digital rendering are perhaps not as masterful as a Hollywood blockbuster but the costuming and makeup were used effectively to add realism. That said, you’ll need that suspension of disbelief for the costumes of the gods which are just a tad fanciful.

It is very easy to enjoy this film, as predictable as it may be. Highlights of this film were Theseus’ war speech and the final fight between him and King Hyperion. 

A side note, there is a lot of violence, some almost Tarantino like in its goriness. 

My Rating: 2 ½ out of 5

Until next time.