Based on a Neil Gaiman story, STARDUST is a classic fantasy tale in the vein of PRINCESS BRIDE. I have to admit I had a slight prejudice against this film because I find Gaiman’s reputation is a bit overrated. His stories are imaginative but lack any real depth or soul. MIRRORMASK worked more because of Dave McKean’s imagery and direction than the story itself, and this seems to be the case again with this new film.
The story involves a hapless youth who also happens to be the prince of a magical kingdom, although he doesn’t know it and works in a shop in a small English village, where he has fallen in love with the most beautiful girl in the village (Sienna Miller). In order to win her hand he promises to retrieve a fallen star, which turns out to be yet another beautiful girl (Clare Danes). However, there is also a trio of witches who want to capture the girl because eating her heart will give them eternal life. As the youth embarks on his quest he also has to combat the sons of the dead king (Peter O’Toole) who want to retrieve a necklace that hangs around the neck of the fallen star so they can claim their right to the vacant throne.
The screenplay is co-written by Jane Goldman (Mrs Jonathan Ross) and director Matthew Vaughn (LAYER CAKE), which is certainly a departure from his previous London gangster films. It really does look lavish and the production details make it all quite believable, although some of the dire dialogue does break the spell. The CGI, in particular, is seamless most of the way through. Vaughn has gathered a suitably star-studded cast with Clare Danes, Michelle Pfieffer as the wicked witch, Robert De Niro as a camp pirate with image issues (why does he feel he needs to do roles like this, it does nothing to enhance his reputation?) and Ricky Gervais as a fence (not the wooden sort – but he is basically playing it with the smugness he imbues any of his other characters). Other cameos include Rufus Sewell, Rupert Everett, Mark Heap, David Walliams and Mark Strong, playing the deceased sons of the king.
As far as fantasy films go it is entertaining enough, although it’s a bit too childish for adults and too grown up for children, although it certainly doesn’t break new ground and is quite predictable – apart from the dragged-up De Niro.
STARDUST is out on October 22 from Paramount.