Immortals (2011) – Review

Where to watch Immortals

3 Stars

Visionary filmmaker Tarsem Sing’s latest effort, Immortals, is another stunningly designed and photographed film filled with extreme violence while bursting at the seams with ingenuity. Unfortunately the storyline isn’t as compelling as the striking images that often raise this mediocre film into the realm of greatness if only for brief periods. Taking its cues from popular hits like 300 and Clash of the Titans, this tale of men and gods warring amongst themselves and one another is a sometimes inspired exercise that doesn’t quite add up to the sum of its outrageous parts.

Audiences around the world will no doubt flock to Immortals for a glimpse of Henry Cavill, recently cast as Superman in the newest reboot. The report on Cavill is a positive one. He holds the screen well, is able to deliver his awkward lines in a convincing manner and isn’t upstaged by the wall-to-wall special effects. All of the previously mentioned bode well for his excelling in the role of Clark Kent/Superman. However, it’s Mickey Rourke who once again walks off with another movie. Rourke’s scenes are so intense and played with just the appropriate amount of menace and detachment that he propels the villainous King Hyperion into the ranks of other great protagonists.

Earlier this year I had to suffer through the amateurish Conan reboot, a project that Rourke smartly walked away from. On the surface these two films are similar; both are sword and sandal epics, shot in 3D and feature a relative newcomer in the title role. The difference between the pair is that Immortals is a far more ambitious and thought provoking affair. Clocking in at a just under two hours, this is a satisfying ride for those with tolerance to extreme violence and preposterous story arcs. Those familiar with Sing’s previous work on The Cell and The Fall are bound to appreciate this outing more than others.

Director: Tarsem Singh
Stars: Henry Cavill, Mickey Rourke, Freida Pinto