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March 7, 2008 11:19 AM
FRIDAY FLICK: Stardust
I adored Neil Gaiman's book, Stardust, so was immoderately excited when I heard it was being filmed.
Better still was the news that it was being partially shot on the beautiful Isle of Skye, and that the talented Claire Danes, Robert De Niro and Michelle Pfeiffer were all on board. 'How can it fail?', I thought, with uncharacteristic optimism...
Joyously, it didn't.
With lots of british comedy actors - including Julian Rhind-Tutt, Mark Heap, David Walliams, Mark Williams, Ricky Gervais, and Sarah Alexander - playing 'spot the actor' was almost as much fun as the action.
Charlie Cox, a relative unknown, played Tristan Thorn. He has a softly handsome, 'everyman' kind of face, that is perfect for the boy-turns-to-man adventure story.
Robert De Niro does a fantastic comedic turn as a camp sky pirate and Michelle Pfeiffer is every bit as good as I expected as the witch intent on cutting out the heart of the fallen star (Claire Danes).
Jane Goldman's screenplay is good, but loving the book as much as I do, I was bound to find fault... It's a little more schmaltzy and 'Hollywood' than Gaiman's original work, but this is a minor criticism. It really is super fun and one I'd recommend even if you're not usually a fantasy fan.
Related posts: Friday Flick archives
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Posted by Sarah Painter on March 7, 2008 in Book related, British Authors, Friday Flick, Supernatural | Permalink
Comments
"Julian Rhind-Tutt, Mark Heap" is all I needed to know. :)
Posted by: Keris | March 7, 2008 11:34 AM
I watched this last night, I'm not usually a fan of fantasy films, but this was great! Clare Danes' English accent was one of the best I've heard from an American actor.
Posted by: Kirsty | March 7, 2008 11:47 AM
I loved this film even though its not something I'd normally go for.
Now I'm singing the Take That song that goes with it in my head.
Posted by: Helen | March 7, 2008 12:17 PM
I was actually kind of worried about this movie because I loved the book so much, and Hollywood doesn't have a great track record for books into movies. But I totally loved this movie.
Posted by: Shanna Swendson | March 7, 2008 5:36 PM
From my standpoint, this movie could become this generation's "Princess Bride." I have to admit that I haven't read the book, but will soon. Maybe the movie is better enjoyed before reading the book (meaning: the book is so good, no movie could ever compare.)
Posted by: Ariana | March 9, 2008 8:24 AM
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