“Clash of the Titans” may disappoint fans of “A New Hope”

For adolescent and young adult audiences, "Clash of the Titans" is another Sam Worthington, special-effects-filled visit to the movie theater. What audiences are not aware of, however, is that it is the "reimagining" of a Hollywood classic that previous generations held near and dear to their childhood hearts. To put it in simpler terms, this was their "Power Rangers."
Filled with fun and fond memories for those who were lucky enough to be alive when "A New Hope" premiered, the 1981 "Clash of the Titans" contained Shakespearean actors and stop motion special effects. In comparison to today's effects they are unfortunately almost laughable, but the nostalgia it provides is indeed similar to "A New Hope."
Released amidst the cinema chaos of "Star Wars," director Desmond Davis presented an action film that employed the use of stop motion. The technique uses animation to physically manipulate an object to make it appear as though it were moving on its own. While this method is still used in celebrated films like "Coraline," it has been refined and limited to strictly animated movies.
Audiences that loved the original film will be disappointed to find that the storyline itself has proceeded down a different avenue.
The plots of the two films follow a similar outline. Perseus is a demi-god who is sent on a quest to save the Princess Andromeda from being sacrificed to the Kraken. He must kill Medusa and use her head to kill the sea monster. The motivations of both are vastly different. The Perseus in the classic version is driven by his love for Andromeda while the other, in Worthington's version, seeks revenge against Hades for killing his adopted family. This is also evident in Perseus' portrayal in each film, as Worthington's Perseus is one of strength, resistance and very little facial expression, while Harry Hamlin, who plays Perseus in the classic version, appears impressed by everything and anything he sees.
The 2010 cast presents a vastly different array of actors than the Shakespearean/soap opera ones of 1981. Then again, this is a movie led by Jake Sully, Voldemort and Qui Gon Jinn. Laurence Olivier, the original Zeus, was less manipulative than Liam Neeson's portrayal, and looked down upon his people with more affection. Granted, the plot of the 2010 version is centered around the frustration the Greeks have towards the gods, as their lives are being negatively dictated by their jealous deities, which sparks the desire for a rebellion. Then again, Liam Neeson didn't have the blue disco lights behind his throne and maybe he would have been happier if he did.
Hades, who was not central to the original film, is played by Ralph Fiennes with the same scratchy-voiced, sinister manner as Voldemort, but without being surrounded by dark clouds of menacing smoke. His sinister disposition towards Zeus and Perseus drives the story. He hopes to lead to their downfall, which brings to mind the scheming nature of Iago to Othello (if there are Shakespearean actors involved, there needed to be a Shakespeare reference thrown in somewhere).
All in all, both are entertaining films, but fans of the original are going to see their beloved classic with better special effects, and they may be disappointed.
However, one thing can be said for the new film: the Kraken from the original "Clash of the Titans" (which is more relatable to the Swamp Thing) and "Pirates of the Caribbean" will probably retreat to the depths of the Mediterranean in disgrace after one look at the new Kraken – just saying.