Bad movies I love part 7.

I used to love going to movies as a kid. Back then movie theatres seemed like palaces to me. I was small so the seats were always comfortable and it was before I noticed the auditoriums flaws such as sound and projection quality.

My parents took me to see 'Clash of the Titans' when I was the tender age of six. Being a wee lad I was mesmerized by the special effects as well as the story. I wanted to ride Pegasus and slay Medusa. The Kraken scared the hell out of me. I was thrilled by the fight between Perseus and Calibos. Last, but certainly not least, the adorable Judi Bowker got naked in the movie. When I was a kid any day I got to see a naked woman on screen was like Christmas. Actually not much has changed.

The film's plot centers around the prementioned Perseus who, like Hercules, is the son of Zeus. Perseus finds and weds Andromena after fighting off the jealous Calibos. Thetis is angered by Perseus's mother-in-law's vain filled remarks about how her daughter is more beautiful than her. Does Thetis lecture her on proper manners? Of course not. Instead Thetis uses her goddess powers to condemn Andromena to face monster that goes by the name of Kraken or their city will be destroyed. Whatever shall they do?

Perseus seeks the counsel of three witches to brainstorm a plan to defeat the Kraken. He's advised to seek and behead Medusa, the snake haired wench who's looks turn living things into stone. After chopping off her head Perseus flies on Pegasus, confronts the Kraken, and saves the day.

Watching the film now I see it's many flaws, such as a wheezy Laurence Olivier, an annoying mechanical owl, and stop motion animation that looks dated and corny. Ray Harryhausen apologists will scowl at my critique of his work, but I've never understood why any adult really gets a thrill out of watching claymation mixed with live action. Sure I'll sit through it for nostalgia reasons, but I can't suspend my disbelief that much.

'Clash of the Titans' does have it's strong points such as a great setting and a few moments of mood. I give props to the actors for at least reacting to monsters that were later animated in. If they saw the finished product before they appeared on the sound stage they probably couldn't control their laughter. The film does have a sense of whimsy in the fact that it doesn't seem to take itself to seriously. We get to see a great cast of actors; however this is not their best work. Far from it actually. Ursula Andress makes an appearance as Aphrodite and seems to maintain her looks quite well since her time being a Bond girl.

'Clash of the Titans' in really nothing more than a children's film and it's decent given the low bar Hollywood has set for kids. With studios trying to capitalize on any past success Warner Bros has decided to remake the fantasy film "classic." (See I used quotes there. That means I use the term loosely. You really didn't need that explanation did you?) As long as they serve up another naked Andromeda I'm there. That is unless they cast Rosie O'Donnell in the role. Ugh. I just made myself sick there. I need a shower.

Clash of the Titans trailer:



"Fun spin on the Greek myths despite its general goofiness" - Jon Niccum

Beacham takes on Medusa and the Kraken with a CLASH OF THE TITANS remake!