Sprinkled with magic

Published on October 18, 2007

Stardust

Cast: Claire Danes, Charlie Cox, Michelle Pfeiffer, Robert De Niro, Peter O'Toole, Rupert Everett

Directed by Matthew Vaughn

Running time: 128 minutes

Hanuman rating: HHHHHH

With superb performances from the whole cast, from Claire Danes as a star pursued by evil witches and greedy princes to Charlie Cox's romantic hero who knows little about his true origins, "Stardust" is not just for children, it's for everyone.

Danes, a fine actress whose credits include the last "Terminator" and "U-Turn" - where she plays a small-town girl who becomes part of Sean Penn's nightmare, is emerging as a major force in films. She puts in another strong performance here.

Michelle Pfeiffer, as an evil witch with extremely violent tendencies, should get another nomination for Best Actress at the Academy Awards for her delicious role.

As one of America's best actresses, it's amazing how the Oscar has eluded her: the "Fabulous Baker Boys", for one, seemed such a sure bet.

New face Cox also helps make the movie a riot as Tristan, who starts off as a shop boy and ends up, well, see the film and find out.

Robert De Niro as a curious pirate-like captain who sails the skies is also fun to watch.

Peter O'Toole's participation is far too short, however, playing the dying king of a magical kingdom who has to find a successor among his seven warring sons.

Much of the film's breezy feel is a result of the original script by Jane Goodman and Matthew Vaughn.

Vaughn, who produced "Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels", also does a sterling job as the film's director.

For cinemagoers tired of the same formula flicks, this period romantic-comedy, set in a fairytale world where anything is possible, should be a treat.

The action registers high on the horror-meter, with Pfeiffer doing her worst to keep the body count at a respectable level.

To savour the full grandeur of this six-star experience, a visit to the cinemas is mandatory. There is no way you will be able to enjoy the film on a TV screen, no matter how high-definition the images are.

By Hanuman

The Nation