The sequel to 2010's Clash of the Titans, Wrath of the Titans takes Perseus (Sam Worthington), demigod, hero and Kraken killer, in another save-the-world adventure.
Ten years after famously defeating the monster Kraken, Perseus's quiet fisherman life with his 10-year-old son Helius is disrupted when a division broke between the triumvirate gods: his father Zeus (Liam Neeson) and Poseidon (Danny Huston) versus Hades (Ralph Fiennes). Hades takes with him a minion, Ares (Zeus's jealous son filled with daddy issues), to switch to the enemy camp: the imprisoned Titans, led by the triumvirate's imprisoned daddy, the lava Titan monster Kronos. Perseus, the reluctant hero-demigod, is suddenly forced to rescue his father Zeus from the Underworld to prevent the Titans and their dangerously growing power from destroying the gods...and humanity.
Directed by Jonathan Liebesman (The Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Beginning), Wrath of the Titans brings to life our beloved Greek mythology in a smooth, clear, and unpretentious screenplay. Liebesman and writers do not go dilly-dallying and immediately throw the viewers into the mythical drama, giving us a sense of brewing tension early into the film. Wrath of the Titans is an engaging throwback to the ancient, mythical times, triggering our fascination for mythical gods and supernatural powers. Watching it in 3D-IMAX (with a cool pair of gigantic 3D headband glasses kind to bespectacled moviegoers like me), makes everything feel more authentic; the wind against the powerful flap of Pegasus's wings, human/god feet crunching against gravel, and the frightening, elaborate abyss of the Underworld make you feel as if you're right there with the mortals, gods, demigods, and monsters, feeling their wounds, sweat, and rage.
It was nice to see a glorious cast, the deep-voiced gods of Hollywood themselves: Fiennes has no traces of Voldemort left in him, but he completely becomes Hades in our eyes-- calm and dark, resentful and threatening; Neeson exudes the kindly, powerful Zeus vibe. Poseidon's demigod kid, Agenor, was aptly played by the almost unknown Toby Kebbel, delivering his humorous lines with that subtle, deadpan style of a confident stand-up comedian. Bill Nighy as the blacksmith god Hephaestus also evoked chuckles from the audience. The only problem is Sam Worthington, the star. Although a credible actor, Worthington looks so dull. The combination of Perseus's lack of personality and Worthington's uber darn plain face, you cannot feel the slightest bit of thrill watching him in his heroic acts.
Overall, though, the visually pleasant Wrath of the Titans is a fast-paced movie that will suck you right into the fascinating world of Greek mythology. It may not be high-octane, edge-of-seat action thriller, but the movie has depth, without that produced-for-3D-profit feel...and it's an engaging, just, and sincere tribute to a great and rich mythology.
*3D-IMAX is highly recommended for a more profound sense of ancient drama and adventure.
3.5 out of 5 stars
Showing in Philippine theaters beginning March 29, 2012
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