Stardust: A Princess Bride fantasy for the 21st Century

By David W. Shelton | August 11, 2007 |

In the surprise delight of the summer, Paramount has delivered Stardust, which is easily one of the most delightful fantasy tales seen in theaters since 1987 when The Princess Bride graced the big screen. Every once in a while, moviegoers are treated to a gem which not only tells a great story, but throws in a touch of magic that enchants a world where flying boats and cackling witches thrive.

Stardust, produced, co-written, and directed by Matthew Vaughn, likely won’t be the blockbuster of the year, which is a shame. Even with an all-star supporting cast, it doesn’t fall into the trap where the stars outshine the lead characters, one of which who actually happens to be a star.

Vaughn’s script is based on the novel by Neil Gaiman, and tells of two words, one mundane and the other magical. The worlds are separated by The Wall, which few dare to cross. On the mundane side is a village which is nineteenth-century England. On the other side, is a land called Stormhold. It seems no different at first, but tiny elephants are our first indication that it’s a world where the imagination soars.

Tristan (Charlie Cox) is a wide-eyed eighteen-year-old who has young Victoria (Sienna Miller) in his sights. During an evening of romance, a star falls from the sky, which lands a few miles away. Tristan then pledges to bring that star to his beloved. But all is not as it seems. The star has taken the form of a beautiful young woman, Yvaine (Terminator 3’s Claire Danes). What’s more, she’s in possession of a pendant that is the most coveted stone in the kingdom, especially by three covetous princes who are want nothing less than the throne itself.

The narration is provided by Lord of the Ring’s Ian McKellen, who helps the story along with his dignified charm. Along the way, our young hero and his beautiful companion encounter the aforementioned flying ship led by Captain Shakespeare (a delightful Robert DeNiro), a deliciously evil Michelle Pfeiffer, and even a dying king played by the always royal Peter O’Toole.

It’s Cox and Danes who carry the story along the way, which is as much about liberation as it is about hope. Young Tristan, in all his naiveté has fallen into the adventure of a lifetime that is (as The Princess Bride was before it) about true love. Also like Bride, Stardust manages to transcend genres to the extent that one does not need to be a fan of fantasy to enjoy it. Its themes of love and destiny are easily grasped and appreciated by nearly everyone, which is what makes this film a shining star in its own right. Truly, this is The Princess Bride for the 21st Century.

The best fantasy is about destiny, and Stardust certainly holds its own. No matter what the adventure might be, there is a clear destiny for our young stars, who will rise to the ultimate challenge even in the face of great deception and darkness. There’s plenty of humor, wonder, and love to go around. Frankly, it’s why we go to the movies.

About David W. Shelton

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