rating:
(out of
4 stars)United Kingdom, United States; 2007
Directed by Matthew Vaughn; produced by Lorenzo di Bonaventura, Michael Dreyer, Neil Gaiman, Matthew Vaughn; screenplay by Jane Goldman, Matthew Vaughn
Starring Charlie Cox, Claire Danes, Nathaniel Parker, Michelle Pfeiffer, Robert De Niro, Rupert Everett, Peter O'Toole, Sienna Miller, Ian McKellen (voice)
'The Princess Bride' will probably never find its equal when it comes to comedy in a fantasy (or sci-fi) world, but from time to time an entertaining try comes along. In 2005 I was surprised by 'Serenity' and 2007 brings us the terrific 'Enchanted' and this nice entry in the genre, 'Stardust'. The story meanders too much and not all the jokes work, but Robert De Niro dressed up as a woman makes up for many of the flaws.
Somewhere in England there is a wall, conveniently in the village called Wall, and behind it lies a land of fairy tales, Ian McKellen narrates. The wall is guarded by old people, but one night a young fellow manages to get inside. He impregnates a woman, the child is brought back to his home, the boy grows up to be Tristan Thorn (Charlie Cox), and he falls in love with Victoria (Sienna Miller). One night they see a falling star and Tristan makes a promise to retrieve it, so Victoria will not marry someone else. To do so he has to enter the magical land, where, of course, his mother still lives.
The fallen star turns out to be Claire Danes, also wanted by some old witches, especially their leader Lamia (Michelle Pfeiffer). The star will make the witches young again. Then there is the story of the dying king (Peter O'Toole). The son who will find the star will take his place, although they must have read Shakespeare's King Lear. For any of them, death is just around the corner. Tristan finds the girl/star first, but the voyage home is harder than expected. Unexpected help comes from the already mentioned De Niro in drag.
In a way 'Stardust' is a weird film since it never knows what audience it is playing for. On the one hand tt is rated PG-13, and it should be with its one night stands, stabbing of people, and some mature jokes. But 'Stardust' also has its less mature moments, with jokes seemingly for children. The story itself contributes to the feeling as well. It may have some mature elements, it's kind of a funny mess, where everything possible is thrown in. Complaining would be beyond the point, but it makes me curious how this film was intended before it looked like this after filming it.
In the end 'Stardust' is entertaining, and to be honest, a lot more than all those sequels and threequels from 2007 (except for 'The Bourne Ultimatum'). If have to choose between let's say 'Spider-Man 3', 'Rush Hour 3' or 'Stardust', I hope you will choose the latter. At least it gives you a good time.