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Herald Rating: * * *
The sheer number of genres, plotlines and characters Stardust throws at you means you can't help wondering who, or what, is coming next. Murderous princes, an enslaved princess, witches, unicorns, falling stars, ghosts, and a charmingly clumsy hero all vie for your attention in this fantasy adventure based on the novel by Neil Gaiman.
With horses galloping across sweeping landscapes accompanied by a stirring soundtrack, and special effects galore, it's hard not to think of that hobbit-ridden trilogy. Stardust doesn't have the emotional urgency or depth of The Lord of the Rings but it is intended as a simpler, lighter film, along the lines of The Princess Bride.
Our hero is Tristan Thorn (Cox), a lovesick shop boy living in the English village of Wall during the Victorian era. One evening as Tristan is trying to woo his love, the beautiful Victoria (Miller), they see a star fall from the sky. Victoria agrees that if Tristan can retrieve it she will contemplate marrying him.
Tristan must cross the forbidden wall the town is named after which acts as a portal to the magical land of Stormhold. Here he encounters stroppy Yvaine (Danes), who may have something to do with the fallen star. And soon the pair are mixing with a cast of veterans - including Peter O'Toole as the dying king, Rupert Everett as one of his sons, Michelle Pfeiffer as the evil witch Lamia, and Robert De Niro as a cold-blooded officer with a penchant for drag. Even Ricky Gervais makes an appearance, helping to bring the film's humour to life.
There's plenty of action and comedy, but Stardust is ultimately about true love. As with many fairytales, there's no point in worrying about plot details, and it's best enjoyed for its simple entertainment value.
Cast: Robert De Niro, Michelle Pfeiffer, Claire Danes, Peter O'Toole, Charlie Cox, Sienna Miller
Director: Matthew Vaughn
Running time: 130 mins
Rating: PG, frightening fantasy scenes & violence
Screening: SkyCity, Hoyts and Berkeley Cinema
Verdict: A mish-mash of genres, plots and characters, but still a fun-filled fantasy
