The 1981 version of Clash of the Titans is actually a pretty good movie. Granted, the film’s effects, sets and dialogue are cheesy, but everyone from the actors, director, production people on that project seemed to have embraced these qualities and it gave that film a charming presence that you do not see in the average bad movie; and like great cheese, it just gets better over time. This is the charm that director Louis Leterrier’s remake does not have and turns what could have been a great time at the movies into a forgettable experience.

Perseus (Sam Worthington), is the mortal son of Zeus (Liam Neeson), who goes on a mission to prevent Hades’ (Ralph Finnes) from unleashing the Kraken on mankind and saving the princess Andromeda from being the beast’s sacrifice. Our hero learns that the only way to achieve this is by taking Medusa’s head and forcing the Kraken to look at it, turning the beast into stone. Joining him on this quest includes Perseus’ guardian Io (Gemma Aterton) and a group of soldiers lead by Draco (Mads Mikkelsen). Leaving Perseus with the choice whether or not to take his place with the gods or continue living life among normal men.

Trivia question: What was the last film Finnes and Neeson did together? Schindler’s List! (However you choose to interpret that is your personal call.)  In all seriousness, this is an amazing cast, but it has absolutely nothing to work with. Its not that anyone in the cast is particularly bad, but the character’s are so one-note and the dialogue lacks any humor or personality, that all they really do is say their lines with either a stoic or sinister tone and just be there. I do not blame the cast for this, as the script makes Transformers look like Being John Malkovich. Instead of creating an emotional investment with the characters, the writers just gave us filler and throwaway lines between fights with badass mythical Greek characters. The one actor I found suffered the most though is Worthington, the man has a great star quality and look but his characters between Clash of the Titans and his last two films are very interchangeable and I personally want to see more dramatic depth in his acting. (Yes I know what movie I was seeing but that does not mean I’m wrong.)

Now I am a genuine fan of director Louis Leterrier, as the director of the first two Transporter films and The Incredible Hulk, he knows how to make a fun action movie. Sadly this time around Leterrier goes for a darker, more serious look with monsters that are clearly influenced by Guillermo del Toro. Which, while visually impressive, do not fit the tone needed for this movie. I am not saying that the film needs to be exactly like the original, but a great remake needs to maintain the spirit of the source while the filmmaker puts his personal signature on it. Sadly, for whatever reason, the personality and energy that he usually brings is not in this movie. Its not a bad directing job as Leterrier still creates engaging action scenes, but the flaws you usually find in his work are more noticeable this time around because of one certain quality… the 3-D!

I am not a particular defender of either James Cameron or Avatar, but no one can say that the man does not invest his blood, sweat and tears into making a visually beautiful experience with the use and expansion of 3-D technology. In comparison it is clear that there was no other purpose then to take advantage of the trend and paying consumers. The 3-D comes off as completely flat in some scenes or is overdone by annoying monsters flying directly into the screen. The problem is that the film was shot with no idea that it would be converted (The decision was made about three months before release, it takes about six months for a proper conversion.) and it is unfair to the director, the film and the audience for a studio to force the conversion onto the final product knowing this. Hopefully as directors know what to expect they can prepare for this change or studios will just invest in 3-D cameras. Not to say that the studio ruined the film but mediocre 3-D does not help.

Overall, if you want a fun movie to watch after exams… rented the 1981 Clash of the Titans. If you want to experience a truly amazing 3-D experience… see How to Train Your Dragon. If you want something in the middle, Leterrier’s remake is not a terrible option… just do not expect cult status thirty years from now.

-John DeBono