The Movie: Stardust, directed by Matthew Vaughn
Recommendation: Broomie
Reason: Really, a lot of people should get that recommendation, but he bought the tickets.
There have been few good fairy tales told in recent years, at least on film. We've had the Shrek series, which have generally been solid. Amelie and Big Fish sort of stretch towards fairy tale territory. Otherwise, we've had The Brother's Grimm and a smattering of 'OMG I'm a princess' movies. And then, from Neil Gaiman's talented pen, we get Stardust. Gaiman's witty, charming writing combines with a solid director and a decent cast to almost live up to the standard of The Princess Bride.
In Gaiman's usual style, each character that stands at the forefront is unique, and none of them without purpose. In most tales, the guardian of the gate and the kidnapped princess would have been throwaway parts, to give the film some character. In Stardust, they are significant, important in many ways. The story is complete. There are no threads dangling.
The cast is charming. Claire Danes as the Star (literally a star, not just the female lead/star of the movie) was both witty and sweet. Charlie Cox as Tristran was intent, and he carried the movie quite nicely as the lead character. Michelle Pfeiffer played the witch well, and De Niro's sky pirate was inspired. It's from these last two that I hoped for the most, and while they didn't entirely disappoint, they could have done a little better. Not a lot, but a little (Pfeiffer, I'm looking at you in particular during the climactic final battle sequence).
I would recommend this film in a heartbeat to anyone who liked The Princess Bride and is looking for a similar experience. This movie isn't quite there, but it's very close. I enjoyed it quite a bit.
-171/365 down, 194/365 to go
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