Press-Republican

A&E

IMMORTALS

Grade: C+

Starring: Mickey Rourke, Henry Cavill, Freida Pinto

Rated: R (for sequences of strong bloody violence, and a scene of sexuality)

Running time: 110 minutes

Related Photos

  • Steve Ouellette

    ouellette.jpg

Discussion

IMPORTANT: Comments that include a personal attack on other commenters will be deleted in their entirety. Your comments are not welcome here if you can't maintain a civil tone.

PLEASE NOTE: There is a 150 word maximum for comments. All comments greater than 150 words in length will be deleted in their entirety.

ALSO NOTE: Derisive name-calling of an individual or group will result in the entire comment being deleted. This includes the terms "stupid" and "idiot" and similar references.

Welcome to our new online comments feature. Before you can join the discussion, you must first register with Disqus and verify your email address.

Once you do, your comments will post after they have been reviewed by a moderator.

We welcome your thoughts and your opinions, including unpopular ones. We ask only that you keep the conversation civil and clean.

Not all comments are deemed printable. Some are disqualified, at the newspaper’s discretion, for a number of reasons. Here are some typical practices to avoid in trying to get your comment printed:

There is a 150 word maximum for comments. All comments greater than 150 words in length will be deleted in their entirety.

Don’t state as a fact something that is unsubstantiated or that our editors wouldn't know to be true.

Don’t presume someone’s guilt in a case when it hasn't been established by a court.

Don’t assail or impugn an identifiable individual or group. If you have that kind of criticism, sign your name and submit it as a Letter to the Editor. (There is some leeway on this in connection with public officials, but it is not unconditional.)

Don’t use profanity. This includes the term “tea bagger.”

Don’t be incendiary or tasteless. Those qualities are subjective, of course, and our editors will be the arbiters.

Do not identify yourself in the main content area of the article content form. Only by enforcing this rule can the moderators prevent unscrupulous commenters from falsely identifying themselves as someone they are not.

Don't type in all caps. It is considered the Internet equivalent of shouting.

In sports articles, do not criticize officiating.

Remember, moderators are not allowed to edit any article comments. If an article comment fails any of the above criteria, the entire comment will be deleted.

We monitor comments Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. Approval of comments outside these times may be delayed.
comments powered by Disqus
November 17, 2011

'Immortals' offers bland acting, zero humor

STEVE OUELLETTE, Movie Review Press-Republican

"Immortals" doesn't have much of a story, its acting is bland, and it lacks any sense of humor, but if what you seek is exploding zombie Titan heads, well, this is the movie for you.

A step down from the spectacularly cheesy fun of "300," "Immortals" is not without its own charm. It's visually striking, unquestionably, and it packs in extra helpings of senseless graphic violence.

Director Tarsem Singh is betting that style will trump substance, but it's a wager he doesn't quite win.

An extremely fractured retelling of Greek mythology, "Immortals" is the story of Theseus, a well-chiseled human who has been manipulated by Zeus, the king of the Gods.

Played by Henry Cavill (who will be the new face of Superman when "Man of Steel" is released), Theseus and his abs of steel are destined to challenge the sadistic King Hyperion, who is storming across Greece in search of a magic bow that can release the Titans and overthrow the gods.

Mickey Rourke appears to have a grand time chewing up the scenery as the scheming and casually brutal Hyperion. He's over the top, but sort of fun as he dishes out creative punishment.

Freida Pinto is less interesting as the love interest of Theseus, an all-knowing virgin oracle who doesn't seem to take her vows too seriously.

Luke Evans ("Clash of the Titans") has his moments as the volatile Zeus, and John Hurt adds a little substance as an old man who guides Theseus.

"Immortals" is often brutal — including a castration scene that no one should really ever watch; ouch — and there are some spectacular fight sequences, particularly when the gods and the undead-ish Titans clash, in acrobatic Samurai-warrior fashion.

Unfortunately, the story surrounding the action is largely lifeless and unemotional. The film is shown in 3-D, but the effects really only add value in a couple of scenes.

Rental Recommendation: See a much better version of Freida Pinto in Oscar winner "Slumdog Millionaire." Rated: A

Email Steve Ouellette at: ouellette1918@gmail.com

Text Only | Photo Reprints

Steve Ouellette's Movie Reviews

Parade
Magazine
Click HERE to read all your Parade favorites including Hollywood Wire, Celebrity interviews and photo galleries, Food recipes and cooking tips, Games and lots more.
Entertainment Videos
ShowBiz Minute: Manzarek, Keith, Bieber $1 Million in Jewels Stolen at Cannes Film Fest Beckham to Retire From Soccer at End of Season ABC Stars React to Jolie News ShowBiz Minute: Jolie Reax, Dr Dre, Richie Jolie Genetic Cancer Risk High but Rare ShowBiz Minute: Jolie, Jackson, 24 Beatles Guitar May Fetch $300,000 at Auction Raw from 'The View': Barbara Walters to Retire Cooper's 'Hangover' Is a Career Changer Raw: Prince Harry in Colo. for Wounded Vet Games ShowBiz Minute: Jackson, Jackson, PSY Kris Kross Rapper Chris Kelly Laid to Rest Broadway's 'Matilda' Cast Chats With Astronaut "The Office" Forever Linked to Scranton, Pa. ShowBiz Minute: Hill, Bieber, Clinton Beyonce Gets Emotional in 'Epic' Kimye, Beyonce Go Punk at Met Gala Sarah Brightman Plans for Space Journey Lauryn Hill Sentenced for Failing to Pay Taxes
Photo of the Day