Review of Clash of the Titans (1981) by Stephanie A — 22 Aug 2009

This would prove to be the last big feature film that stop-motion maestro Ray Harryhausen and producing partner Charles H. Schneer would work on. Even in a year dominated by Indiana Jones, Superman II and The Cannonball Run, it still managed to hold it's own with it's primative but still quite charming stop motion effects.

Everything else in the film isn't bad either. Set in ancient Greece, it is a retelling of the myth of Perseus. Who was cast to sea with his mother as a baby, but the god Zeus (Laurence Olivier) ensured his safety, and he grew into a healthy young man (played by Harry Hamlin), and he wants to win the heart of Princess Andromeda (Judi Bowker), daughter of Queen Cassiopeia (Sian Phillips).

But, the Goddess Thesis (Maggie Smith) isn't happy that her son Calibos (Neil McCarthy) was snubbed by Andromeda. Now, she wants Cassiopeia sacrificed. So, Perseus has to save the day with tasks including capturing Pegasus, defeating Medusa and killing the dreaded Kraken.

It's a cheesy but fun little fantasy adventure, the plot is a little confused here and there, but it looks good, and even old-school special effects look good here, (it makes you wish for stuff like this today!!) But, it's well made, and has a good cast including Ursula Andress, Claire Bloom, Burgess Meredith and Pat Roach!! :D.