While many critics marvel at the visual spectacle of the Greek flick, others decry Tarsem Singh's 'style-over-substance exercise.'
By Kevin P. Sullivan
Daniel Sharman and Isabel Lucas in "Immortals"
Photo: Jan Thijs
If recent Greek movie history has taught us anything, it's that the men of myths and legends had some killer ab routines. "Immortals" continues the tradition started by "300," but will the new film find the same magic that made the Gerard Butler flick such a huge success?
Critics see the similarities, namely in the brains (or lack thereof) department. While it may not be the smartest picture on the block, most seem to agree "Immortals" is actually quite beautiful. Here's a rundown on what the critics have to say about the movie, which hit theaters on Friday (November 11).
The Story
"Alas, the movie makes next to no sense. It involves, in a very broad sense, the attempt by King Hyperion (Mickey Rourke) to conquer Greece, and the battle to stop him led by a plucky peasant named Theseus (Henry Cavill). ... But a lot of the time I had no idea what was going on. Characters would turn up for the first time, seem terrifically important, and disappear. If at many moments I had stopped the film and asked anybody around me, 'Who is that, and what are they doing and why?' I think they'd have been stuck for an answer." — Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times
Henry Cavill
"Henry Cavill, cast as Superman in Zack Snyder's 'Man of Steel,' next year, plays Theseus, a peasant who leads a rebellion against the wicked King Hyperion (Mickey Rourke, the highlight of the film). Muscular, oily and full of resentment, Cavill makes a fine perturbed peasant, though he's got a tough bill sharing the most scenes with Rourke." — Scott Bowles, USA Today
The Direction
"Tarsem Singh's first two films, 'The Cell' and 'The Fall,' were shallow but exquisite displays designed almost entirely to show off his extraordinary artistry. With 'Immortals,' Singh finally acknowledges that he's making movies, rather than just beautiful moving pictures. In his ostentatiously unconventional take on ancient Greek history, he gives us fully fleshed characters and a compelling (enough) plot, plus all the action an epic requires. And, true to form, it's also the most gorgeous film of the year." — Elizabeth Weitzman, New York Daily News
The Costumes
"The most eye-catching creative contribution consists of Eiko Ishioka's sometimes striking costume designs, which not only functionally differentiate the assorted factions but often pop the eyes even against the colorful backgrounds." — Todd McCarthy, The Hollywood Reporter
The Final Word
"Absent a compelling narrative, the spectacle alone may be enough to survive opening weekend, only to see returns for this style-over-substance exercise wither over the following weeks. — Peter Debruge, Variety
Check out everything we've got on "Immortals."
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