Review

Review Date: 12-August-07
Spoiler Rating: Low
Juju Judgment: Jubilation!

Stardust (2007)

It may not have a quotable catchphrase like "as you wish," but "Stardust" is the "Princess Bride" of the next generation. Blending magic, romance, heroes, maidens, ghosts, pirates, witches, kingdoms, a cute mouse, a kick-ass unicorn, and augury by entrails, this far-flung fairy tale jumps from one wonderful setting to another without ever losing its way. It begins, as it should, with the momentous conception of a boy who grows up to be a bumbling swain named Tristran (Charlie Cox). Although he lives on the border between his world and a forbidden, magical one, his dreams stretch no further than the town belle (Sienna Miller) whose beauty equals her shallowness. With neither the money nor suaveness to win her, he offers to perform a quest to prove his worthy devotion: to cross the border and fetch a star they witnessed falling to Earth.

Tristran's journey begins clumsily but quickly as he finds the star and discovers that it is a feisty young woman called Yvaine (Claire Danes) instead of a heap of rock. She is none too pleased with being taken hostage by a lovestruck stranger, especially after having been knocked out of the sky by the careless act of a dying king. This king, it should be noted, has left his sons to murder each other for the throne, which has much to do with Tristran's fate. In fact, as soon as he sets out for home with Yvaine in tow, the predominant prince (Mark Strong) begins to hunt them, for reasons rather different (but no less selfish) than those which propel an ancient witch (Michelle Pfeiffer) to pursue the star herself. With enemies like that on their tail it's no wonder Tristran and Yvaine befriend a crew of sky-raiders led by the singular Captain Shakespeare (Robert De Niro).

All the fantastic elements are here and then some, supported by breathtaking visuals and charming performances by the cast. The action is as well-delivered as the humor. (Note: it may be too gory for younger kids.) I love the part where Tristran crosses swords with a corpse manipulated puppet-style by Pfeiffer. It ends, as it should, with happily ever after, and its happiness shines down from the screen. Old-fashioned with a modern air, familiar without sacrificing freshness, "Stardust" is an astronomically enjoyable movie which deserves to become a classic.

Note: I corrected the hero's name from "Tristan" to "Tristran" after publication of this review.

Copyright © 2007 The Jujube (M. I. Kim). All rights reserved.