Do You Believe in Magic?

Movie Review: Stardust

Stardust is a surprise gem in the sea of blockbuster action flicks this summer. Never having read the graphic novel by Neil Gaiman, I went into the theatre with little expectations but with the hope that such an all-star cast would entertain me for a couple of hours. This movie was made for fans of all ages. It has magic, intrigue, sword fights, love, humor and charm.

This is the story of a little town in England called Wall – named for the wall that separates England from a mythical land. Our romantic hero, Tristan, played by Charlie Cox, is in love with the snooty wench Victoria (Sienna Miller) and promises her to retrieve a fallen star to win her hand in marriage. Tristan discovered that his mother is from this mythical land and that he can travel there without having to vest the 95-year old guardian of the wall (played wonderfully by David Kelly).

Tristan happens upon the fallen star, which turns out to be a woman named Yvaine (Claire Danes) who has broken her leg, is in a pissy mood but is in a fancy dress and has an angelic glow to her. Tristan ropes her with a magical chain and their journey begins. Little do they know, but they are being stalked by three witch sisters, headed up by Lamia (Michelle Pfeiffer). They need the star’s heart in order to live forever and look hot in the process. But that’s not all; they are also being pursued by a septet of brothers (named Primus through Septimus) who are vying for the thorn by killing each other off and trying to regain the magical ruby which will earn them the title of King. Whew…I think I got it all.

If you are confused, don’t be – there is a lot going on in this movie. It really is not that complex once you are sitting in a dark theatre and have been transported to this enchanted land.

Pfeiffer’s performance is intriguing with her delectably wicked take on a witch who hates being old and wants to live forever. Robert De Niro as Captain Shakespeare takes pride in his pirate with a heart of gold role and portrays both sides with ease and an over the top glee. His character is mean and harsh on the outside, but ends up supplying some much needed aid to the road weary Tristan and Yvaine.

Cox and Danes truly steal the movie with their charm and innocent journey of compassion, love, awakening and discovery. Cox’s Tristan grows from an awkward and lovesick boy into a swash-buckling confident hero who finds his true love in a place he never expected.

This movie took the charm of The Princess Bride, combined it with the epic, sweeping landscapes of The Lord of the Rings and added a dash of adventure to come up with this engaging movie that thrilled me to watch. Take the time, and open your wallets, to enjoy this lovely movie that just keeps on giving.