Clash of the Titans

Greek mythology has never really gone far from the public imagination, and 2010 looks like the year it will be on the tip of everybody's tongue. Percy Jackson and the Olympians opens in early February, and the latest "God of War" video game is set to be unveiled sometime this year. However, the event that will get the most people excited is undoubtedly the remake of Clash of the Titans. Starring Sam Worthington, Liam Neeson, and Ralf Fiennes, "Clash of the Titians" opens in theaters on march 26, 2010... maybe. There have been reports that 3-D conversion has pushed the release date back to April 2, 2010.

As previously noted, this film is a remake of the 1981 movie of the same title. Hence, it is largely the same story. Perseus (Worthington) must lead an army to save his family, defeat Hades (Fiennes) and protect Zeus (Neeson). Naturally this journey includes defeating a CG Kraken (no claymation here) and beheading Medusa.

Even though the film uses high tech computer graphics for the settings and monsters of Clash of the Titans, director Louis Leterrier wanted to keep it more or less true to the original in feel and attitude. He even went so far as to try time and time again to convince Ray Harryhausen (the original, 1981 co-producer and visual effects creator) to come out of retirement and be involved in the production. Sadly, this was not to be and Harryhausen is not involved.

The big question on most peoples mind is "will this just be more big explosions and frail plot lines?" No. In this writers opinion; no. Granted, Leterrier directed the 2008 film The Incredible Hulk, but if the public remembers correctly, that iteration of the gargantuan green super hero was the one that featured a decent story and compelling characters. This is not to be confused with the 2003 Hulk, which tanked at the box office. Regardless of the director's previous track record, there is already a solid plot in place, held over from the original film (Michael Bay would even have a hard time messing up the plot). All things considered, there will be large explosions and plenty of special effects gore (the movie is aimed at an "R" rating) but they are supplemental to the plot.

Gamers should be excited for the release as well. There is a video game adaptation in the works aimed to be released around the same time the movie makes it to the big screen.

Sources:

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0800320/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clash_of_the_Titans_%282010_film%29