Stardust

Ok, a mini film review. That is, a short review of a film - not a review of a mini film.

I watched Stardust at the weekend and loved it. Perhaps I was unusually receptive because I generally shy away from opening up to the more 'far-fetched' end of the cinematic spectrum.

It was, obviously, a fantasy movie and requires a certain abandon of reality to embrace it's storyline. However, while I didn't think much to the male lead, there were still lots of strong, believeable and ultimately enjoyable characters.

Claire Danes was fantastic and gave a performance akin to the standard she produced in Romeo and Juliet (a Top 10 film of mine). When she speaks you find yourself falling into her to listen.. it's tricky to explain but I thought she was exceptional.
Michelle Pfeiffer was stunning (at times) and played her role 'suitably'. Nothing outstanding, but then I'm not sure the role allowed for it..
Sienna Miller was OK too. It's incredibly difficult to think of her in anything outside of 'that scene' in Alfie.. Mm..
Robert De Niro was fantastic. I loved his character and the way it eventually played out. I'm confident he could turn his hand to anything. A convincing, closet drag-queen pirate that you could laugh at and empathise with at the same time! De Niro - A living legend.
Ricky Gervais provided a bit of light humour. I find his persona sits a little uncomfortably in blockbusters, resonating - as he does - with fly-on-the-wall Slough paper merchants in everything he does. I still love him though.. bang on my sense of humour..

So, it was a really good film. The only criticism I could level at it is that I wouldve preferred a different ending. As a closet 'old romantic' I think the film couldve finished with the love being torn apart.. We know that this is forbidden in all things 'Hollywood' but I think it would've worked. The blossoming, fighting for and explosion of love could've been ripped apart by the barrier of 'the wall' and preserved, what was, as a moment in time - making it all the more poignant. As it was, the film tied up neatly as a finale and was narrated off in an "all lived happily ever after" as the credits descended.

Moaning aside - it's worth a watch. Shameless enjoyment of love-fuelled fantasy.. 8.5/10