Sidewalks On The Corner

Remember those fantasy films of the 80's, like "The Princess Bride," "The Never Ending Story," and "Labyrinth?” Well, lately there's been a revival of these new aged fantasy movies, from the "Harry Potter" series to “Bridge to Terabithia.” From best selling author Neil Giaman and the wild imagination of director Matthew Vaughn come an enchanting wild new fantasy called “STARDUST,” starring Robert De Niro, Michelle Pfeiffer and Claire Danes . "Stardust" is among those films, but with some originality.

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Narrated by Sir Ian McKellen, the story begins in the English town of Wall. The town is named this because of the cobblestone wall that surrounds and protects it from a supernatural world unknown to its people. Dunstan Thorne (young Dunstan played by Ben Barnes and the older version played by Nathaniel Parker), a wide-eyed and curious young man, travels beyond the wall to the forbidden city of Stormhold. In the city, he meets and has “a one-night stand” with a gypsy servant woman. Nine months later, a baby named Tristan arrives at his doorstep in Wall. From there, the story flash forwards around 18 years.

Teen Tristan (Charlie Cox) is in love with a beautiful village woman named Victoria (Sienna Miller), who treats poor Tristan like a nerd. One evening, Tristan takes Victoria on a late night picnic. While he tries to win her heart, a shooting star appears in the sky and lands beyond the barrier of Wall. Because of his infatuation with Victoria, he vowed to win her love by retrieving that star.

Before he could make his journey, his father tells Tristan about his mother, whom he never met. She leaves Tristan a letter and a magical candle that transports Tristan beyond the wall, to the other world, and where “the star” crashed. Instead of finding a chunk of meteorite, he meets the mysterious Yvaine (Claire Danes). After discovering that she is “the star,” Tristan decides to take her back to Wall and to his one true love, Victoria.

Meanwhile, the movie has other subplots concerning the “falling star.” A dying king (Peter O'Toole) sends his living sons to retrieve a ruby necklace that traveled into space and knocked down “Tristan’s star.” Whoever retrieves the necklace first and is still alive will become the new king. There is also an old witch named Lamia (Michelle Pfeiffer), who wants the magical star’s power, so she and her sisters can be youthful and live eternally. Unbeknownst to Tristan, Lamia and the king’s sons begin their separate expedition for “the star.”

During Tristan’s and Yvaine’s trek back to Wall, the two befriend a pirate captain called Capt. Shakespeare (Robert De Niro in a role you never seen him in before) and his crew, who aid the fallen star and young lad.

All of the plot lines that make the film come together towards the end.

The first half of the film is somewhat slow to develop; however, the first chapter sets the stage for what's to come. Despite its sluggish start, I give "Stardust" a lot of credit for its inventiveness of telling the story. And like many fairytales it goes about telling a romantic story in the most unconventional way. It starts off realistically, whereas most tales begin with a dashing prince who sets off to slay a dragon; bring back its head to the king; and marry his daughter. In this tale, the prince is not a prince at all; instead he is an honest young man trying to make his way in the world and wanting to be accepted by his peers. Instead of buying his love interest the biggest ring in the world or buying her 12 dozen roses, he would travel far and bring back a hunk of rock for love.

Performances by the almost all-star cast are done with true storybook style. As the main character, Charlie Cox does a great job as Tristan. As he grows from a boy to man, you can really see and feel the transformation. Cox is able to convince the audience, through his carefree and child like approach to his character. The lovely Michelle Pfeiffer puts on an ugly scowl for her part as Lamia, a greedy witch. To describe Pfeiffer’s performance, I would say she conjures up the wicked witch from the west from "The Wizard of Oz" and really pours on the crabbiness, as she plays her part with crotchety and prudish, but in a seductive manner. Robert De Niro plays Capt. Shakespeare as a tough and tumble pirate on the outside, but a true fluff on the inside. I give Claire Danes points for her nice looks and for her effort in playing the interstellar being. Danes’ performance ranges from naive to a bratty child like; she gives it a teenage like quality. The supporting cast gave the film its zany atmosphere.

The ending was satisfying, and heart warming, even if it is a bit predictable. But I enjoyed the ride. "Stardust" has everything a bedtime fairytale needs, wicked witches, sky pirates, mystical powers, and a journey unlike any other. I recommend this movie.