Release Date: 11/11/2011
Immortals, directed by Tarsem Singh (The Cell, The Fall), is a fantasy action film in the same vein as 300 or Clash of the Titans. Much like Singh’s other two films it is a visual accomplishment that uses top of the line imagery to make up for the mediocre script. It lacks the amazing character development to go with the badass battle scenes that made the film 300 successful, but even with a handful of problems it still works as an entertaining piece of action oriented cinema.
Eons after the Gods won their mythic struggle against the Titans, a new evil threatens the land. Mad with power, King Hyperion (Mickey Rourke) has declared war against humanity. Amassing a bloodthirsty army who are disfigured by his own hand, Hyperion has scorched Greece in search of the legendary Epirus Bow, a weapon of unimaginable power forged in the heavens by Ares. The one who possesses this bow can unleash the Titans, who have been imprisoned deep within the walls of Mount Tartaros since the dawn of time and thirst for revenge. In the king’s hands, the bow would rain destruction upon mankind and annihilate the Gods. But ancient law dictates the Gods must not intervene in man’s conflict. They remain powerless to stop Hyperion, until a peasant named Theseus (Henry Cavill) comes forth as their only hope. Secretly chosen by Zeus, Theseus must save his people from Hyperion.
The plot takes awhile to get into, and for many moviegoers nowadays this might be a little frustrating, especially for an action movie, but as soon as the Gods get involved with the battles, shit gets real. The Gods at first just look from afar in the clouds, but eventually they come down to earth and start smashing heads, literally. There are a few battles that had my jaw dropped. It takes the Zach Snyder slow motion violence to a whole new level. The violence makes me forget that I had no interest in any of the characters. The acting for the most is pretty average; Rourke is fine as the villain, hamming up most of his scenes. Cavill is better then the trailer makes him out to be and I’m kind of excited now to see how he does as Superman, I think he might actually have the talent to pull it off. Stephen Dorff is ripped in a solid supporting role and Freida Pinto is there just to have a sexy strip down scene where she shows off her Slumdog Millionaires. I’m not complaining. Jai Ho!
The final 20 minutes completely makes up for the slow beginning and lack of character development. Three simultaneous battles are going on, it is pure mayhem. Everyone is involved even the Gods so you know the violence is going to be extreme, people getting split in half in slow motion, can’t ask for more then that. There is also a speech very similar to 300 that will be sure to get the male audience jacked up.
Overall, Immortals is a film that should be appreciated for it’s visual style and entertaining battles over the weak script and at times cheesy dialogue. If that’s not what you’re into, then maybe wait for video, but as for your average audience these days, I think you well be satisfied just enough to make it a worthwhile trip to the theater.
IMDB: N/A
Rotten Tomatoes: 39%
Movie Wiseguys: 7.0/10