Page 18 THE VILLADOM TIMES I, II, III & IV • April 14, 2010 3-D effects do not enhance ‘Clash of the Titans’ by Dennis Seuling “Clash of the Titans” is a 3-D remake of the 1981 original -- the last major feature film for which Ray Harryhausen provided his stop-motion skills. Harryhausen drew upon his long career to fashion some of his most memorable fantasy creatures. The current version relies on computers more than the painstaking task of moving models slightly one frame at a time to create the illusion of motion when the film is projected. The remake, which stars Sam Worthington (“Avatar”) as Perseus, the mortal son of Zeus (Liam Neeson), moves along rapidly with one action sequence after another providing lots of visual razzle-dazzle. The plot hinges on man’s abandonment of the gods and refusal to offer up prayers. The gods don’t take this affront lightly, and a war ensues between them and the mortals. Though he is an offspring of Zeus, Perseus is loyal to his fellow mortals and is determined to join them in battling against the wrath of the gods. The most frightening is Hades (Ralph Fiennes), god of the underworld, who comes and goes in swirls of black smoke and threatens all kinds of mayhem. Perseus and his small band of loyal followers are determined to stop the underworld and its minions from spreading their evil to Earth. “Clash of the Titans” is the kind of movie in which several scenes are better than the work as a whole. For example, Perseus and his men are attacked and do battle with giant scorpions, which toss the men around like dolls and aim to impale them with their poisonous stingers. The sequence is well staged, and the drama builds as the men turn from shock to desperation as they fight for their lives. Another scene involves the Medusa, part woman, part snake, whose look can turn men to stone. This creepy character slithers silently, trying to get Perseus’ men to make eye contact with her. Some of the men who meet her stare turn to stone and then shatter when they fall from a high cliff. Zeus, being a dutiful father, secretly provides Perseus with some useful gifts, including a magical sword, a gold coin, and a Pegasus, a flying horse. This mythical creature is beautifully crafted and seems real. Scenes of the Pegasus soaring above mountains and buildings, Perseus mounted on its back, are spectacular. Sam Worthington stars as Perseus in the 3-D remake of ‘Clash of the Titans.’ Neeson gives the role of Zeus regal stature and fatherly care, and he delivers the dialogue with conviction. His Zeus combines elements of Gandalf (“The Lord of the Rings”) and Dumbledore (the Harry Potter films), with a touch of the Wizard of Oz tossed in for good measure. Now for a word about the 3-D, the technique that has captured the imagination of moviegoers since its impressive use in last year’s “Avatar.” “Clash of the Titans” was not shot in 3-D, but rather was retrofitted when its producers jumped on the bandwagon, coveting the greater dollars 3-D commands at the box office. The 3-D is mundane and hardly a dramatic enhance- ment of the plot, as it was in “Avatar.” To make matters worse, the theater in which I saw the movie on opening day charged $5 more to see the 3-D version. The quality of the 3-D in “Clash of the Titans” is hardly worth the extra money. Stick with the standard version and buy some popcorn with what you save on the admission. Speaking of popcorn, “Clash of the Titans” is the ultimate popcorn flick. It takes itself very seriously, which is part of the fun. Worthington looks the part of a Greek warrior, though his buzz cut suggests more modern-day marine than ancient man-god, and his Australian accent creeps through from time to time, suggesting Perseus’ roots might be more in the Land Down Under than on Mount Olympus. To get a PG-13 rating, the fights are so quickly edited that it is difficult to keep track of what is happening. There are flashes of bodies hitting the ground and swords being wielded, and grunts and cries of anguish, but little in the way of graphic violence is shown. Those who would like to meet some real life movie and TV stars will have a chance from April 16 to 18 at Chiller Theatre Expo, which will take place at the Hilton Parsippany. Guest stars will include Rita Moreno (“West Side Story”), Richard Chamberlain (“Dr. Kildare”), Lou Ferrigno (“The Hulk”), musician Alice Cooper, Michele Lee (“Knot’s Landing”), Sally Kellerman (“M*A*S*H” – the film version), and many more celebrities from the worlds of horror and fantasy film, television, sports, and music. The semiannual convention, which has been held in New Jersey since 1990, brings together fans from the tri-state area together for a celebration of horror, fantasy, and classic TV. The convention also features a huge dealers’ room with assorted collectibles, previews of upcoming fright flicks, and opportunities to have your picture taken with a favorite star. Tickets are $25 per day. For directions to the hotel, hours, and a full list of guests, visit www.chillertheatre.com. State Line 375 State Highway 17 North, Mahwah Open 24 Hours, 7 Days Join Us For Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner The Best Got Better! Calling All Crafters! Come be a part of the Diner - Restaurant 201-529-3353 Now Serving Cocktails, Espresso & Cappuccino $ 00 On $10.00 and over. With this coupon only. One Coupon per table. 5:00 to 9:00 pm only. Off 1 $ 00 VT On $20.00 and over. With this coupon only. One Coupon per table. 5:00 to 9:00 pm only. Off 2 Sponsored by Allendale Chamber of Commerce Platinum Sponsor: The Allendale Community for Mature Living Town decorations donated by: Rohsler’s Allendale Nursery & Florist Allendale Festival Day 18th Annual Saturday, October 2nd 10am - 4pm Contact Adrienne at Jumbleiah Memorabilia 201-825-2077 or check the Chamber Website at www.allendalechamber.com VT