As a Neil Gaiman fan, I greatly anticipated this first cinematic imagining of the author’s work. On the page, all the ingredients are there for a cracking movie – from pirates to witches, dashing princes to imperilled true loves. The novel Stardust works like a charm, lulling us back to the golden days of fairytale in breathless wonder.

I am happy to say that Stardust translates to the big screen in exceptional fashion. Yes, there are certain small plot changes, but the heart and soul of the novel remain remarkably pure, capturing the narrative tone perfectly – the light thread of cynical humour that runs throughout, never spilling into farce, and the quirky characters, believable in a make-believe world.

This is no small feat when one considers the A-list Hollywood cast. Everyone here performs brilliantly, from the fresh faced leads to Michelle Pfeiffer’s stunning turn as evil witch Lamia and on to Robert de Niro’s wonderfully closeted pirate.
Indeed, there are layers to this film. Part of what drives the heady mix is a shrewd subtlety, pleasing adult and child alike.

Stardust tells the tale of young Tristan Thorn (a superbly cast Charlie Cox), a humble ‘shop boy’ with a mysterious legacy and a strange destiny ahead of him. One night, boasting to the object of his affections that he would ‘bring her weight in gold from San Francisco’ in order to win her hand, he finds himself put to the test when a falling star shoots over the village of Wall.
Wall sits on the border between a magical kingdom known as Stormhold and our own Victorian England. None may cross the barrier that divides England from the enchanted country, yet Tristan boldly attempts this to recover the fallen star, intending a woefully undeserved token for his beloved. Sienna Miller plays the conceited Victoria with girlish aplomb.

Once Tristan Thorn strays beyond the wall, he finds himself thrown into wild adventure, including encounters with murderous princes and wicked witches – all who hunger after the star in hopes of sovereignty and eternal youth. Clever touches pepper the journey, with some excellent turns from an arrogant Mark Strong (Prince Septimus) to world-weary Peter O’Toole (credited solely as ‘the King’). None, however, shine so brightly as the star herself, a somewhat uppity Clare Danes as the naïve yet derisive Yvaine.
All work hard to bring the novel to dazzling life.

To explain further might ruin a movie that is as enchanting as it is exciting, and there for audience’s of all ages to enjoy. The scenery is breathtaking, the sets beguiling, the special effects astounding. The pace never flags, and there are some terrific moments of revelation, along with some choice anecdotes about being yourself and following your heart, all of which feel honest and on the button, respectful of Gaiman’s words.

All in all, a visual treat that left this member of the audience wide eyed with childhood awe. Stardust is magnificent. Watch and be spellbound.

The Exploding Boy 2007

I'm glad you've given this a good review because i want to take the kids to see this. I'm sure i've glimpsed some poor reviews which were a tad disappointed with the adaption but i'll take your opinion i think, seeing as this is your area of expertise...

I believe Jonathon Ross's wife wrote the screenplay - i had no idea she was so accomplished.

I glimpsed some poor reviews too, Casey, so it was last on our list of films to see during the half-term holidays, but all I can say about the reviewers is they must have got out of the wrong side of the bed that day, because it turned out to be the best £** we'd spent all week.
It is quite long, though - we turned up early to get a good seat and came out of the cinema 3hrs later.
I would give this four and a half stars out of five - I even liked Ricky Gervase's character and that's saying something since it's basically Ricky playing Ricky, who I normally hate.
It was also nice that the actress playing Yvane is not the usual 'pretty pretty' barbie type.
We listed our favourite scenes on the way home and pretty much covered the whole film, (and Rupert Everett is to die for ).
So go watch it


- NaomiM

I love Rupert Everett, so that's a big plus Just wish Pfeiffer would age a bit and not look younger than me!

I think the bad reviews are based on the fact that maybe the critics don't like this kind of movie? There have been some references to The Princess Bride, and I can see the parallel - although Stardust is far less whimsical. I also read a few negative points but I thought the movie's slight flaws actually worked in its favour. Yes, it is long, but I personally loved that - it gave the story time to breathe. Funny though, because the novel is very short - you could read the whole thing in a couple of hours. Strange watching a film that was actually longer than the book!

Of course, I am slightly biased, I admit that.

I didn't mention it in my review but the one thing that didn't work for me was Ricky Gervais. I just don't find him funny at all. In fact, I've always found him irritating, and yes, he didn't act in this film (does he actually act in anything?) so much as 'dial it in'. But we forgave it in the wider sweep of the movie.

JB

Of all the 'star turns' I'd say Robert De Nero pretty much stole the show.

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Although the old man at the wall was a close second...

Yes, never, erm, seen him quite like that before...

The old man was great wasn't he? I loved the ghosts too.

JB

Oh, yes the ghosts! And the blood - nice touch

Just back from viewing - we almost had the cinema to ourselves for the 11 am showing which was great - funny how in an empty cinema people will still sit in front of you?

Thought they might talk too but happily they didn't

Really enjoyed - great review JB - not sure it's the first cinematic imagining though - Mirrormask?

Still think there's an element in NG that doesn't quite translate to the screen but in general - as you say - does the book proud?

I was surpised to check the clock coming on - the film didn't seem long at all - but as you say, you can read the book in the time it takes to watch the film?

Sarah

Oh yeah, forgot about Mirrormask! If I send this review out I'll amend it and expand it to give a nod to the other characters mentioned.

Cinema seats, empty buses, queues - some people really have space issues, don't they?

I think a little element is bound to be lost. Partly that's why I'm doubtful Sandman would translate well to the screen - too much going on in the reader's head? That story just feels too complex to make a cohesive movie.

I did regret the fact Yvaine doesn't say 'fuck' when she falls from the heavens. Certain things had been glossed over for child consumption, but overall, I loved it!

JB

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Mind you Mirrormask wasn't a novel. ;)

It was wonderful

Did you see The Golden Compass trailer? And Elizabeth?

Sarah

Yes, really excited about seeing The Golden Compass and seeing how they fumble their way around the religion issue in the sequel. It looks good though - a bit 'cleaner' than I imagined but there you go.

I've heard bad reports about The Golden Age and read some shocking reviews, but you can't always trust them?

The film I'm really dying to see is The Dark Knight but that's not out until next year.

JB

I'm really looking forward to watching The Golden Compass
I've tried and failed several times to get past Pullman's opening chapters in the book, so maybe watching the first installment will enable me to skip to Vol.2

That seems to be a commonly reported problem. I really struggled to finish Northern Lights but I'm glad I did. About halfway through it really gets cracking and then the rest of the trilogy is amazing.

JB

Just wanted to add my voice to the choir of praise. Brilliant adaption - but I'm with Waxy on the Gervais front. Irritating man.

Oh and Stardust is, in my opinion, Quite a Bit Better than Mirrormask; stunning visually but there isn't really a story there.

I can't understand the negative reviews Stardust's received either. Each to their own though eh.

N