Immortals

Reviewed by Ben Harris

Released: November 11th 2011 (UK)

Directed by: Tarsem Singh

Starring: Henry Cavill, Mickey Rourke

Certificate: 15 (UK)

Zack Snyder’s ‘300’ had an influential style when released back in 2006 with its computer generated surroundings, slow motion fight scenes and copius amounts of blood. Recently taking inspiration from it is controversial TV show ‘Spartacus’ and now ‘Immortals’ director Tarsem Singh jumps on the bandwagon. ‘Immortals’ takes the same approach as ‘300’ but isn’t as overly stylised or graphic.

The new Man of Steel Henry Cavill plays Theseus, a mortal peasant who plans to fight the villainous King Hyperion (Mickey Rourke) after the murder of his mother. King Hyperion is on the search for the invincible Bow, a weapon that will enable him to bring down the Gods of Olympus. Theseus is chosen by the gods to stop Hyperion before the destruction of humanity.

‘Immortals’ hasn’t got the best-written script with its unoriginal story and clichés that are usually present in Greek god/warrior movies. The simplicity, however, makes it easy viewing and the visuals create a good-looking movie. Of course the gory fighting/big battles and slow motion arse-kicking are the most exhilarating parts, which are actually well crafted and makes up for some of the dull scenes that are injected between the action. This is one of ‘Immortals’ problems; it doesn’t have a huge amount of full-blown action sequences until the end so it relies on uninspiring dialogue and scenarios to fill time. However the violent and devious King Hyperion is just about able to keep our attention.

This is Henry Cavill’s first leading role on the big screen. He’s a handsome guy and is pleasant enough as Theseus but the material doesn’t really give him time to show what he is capable of. Mickey Rourke on the other hand is brilliant as the monstrous King Hyperion and is someone you wouldn’t want to mess with. Freida Pinto also stars as the virgin Oracle Phaedra and Theseus’s love interest. She is stunning and is used more here than in her pointless role in this years ‘Rise of the Planet of the Apes’, but is less convincing than others. It’s disappointing that there isn’t a well-crafted romance between Theseus and Phaedra. They don’t develop as a couple and it leaves us not really caring for their relationship. The supporting cast is decent but some struggle, resulting in wooden performances.

‘Immortals’ is enjoyable for what it is, the great visuals and exciting set pieces just about make up for the weak writing.