Jason and the Argonauts
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Movie Reviews of Jason and the Argonauts
Movie Review: Worthy of Harryhausen
Summary: 5 Stars
Although the 1963 film version of this greek myth was more tightly scripted (and with a stronger lead), bear in mind this one in question was a 2-part TV movie or "mini-series", so necessarily longer, but it filled its running time with solid story. Originally, my expectations were low, but I ended up pleasantly surprised.
As this will inevitably draw comparisons to Harryhausen's version, let me start out by saying the FX in this, though computer graphics, was top-notch for the time, as good as the graphics in some major motion pictures. These are definitely 2 levels above the rather featureless, robotic computer models as seen in the "Hercules" and "Xena" shows. The Harpies in particular were well done, and overall the animation superior to that seen in the rather lackluster TV remake of "Mysterious Island" with Patrick Stewart.
Because of the longer running time than the original, this version has more story derived from the myth. This gives the excellent cast room to shine and I feel the characterizations are what makes this movie. Dennis Hopper was surprisingly good as Jason's evil uncle, Orpheus has his moment at the clashing rocks with his pet seagull, Hera is particularly beautiful and godlike, Hercules is well cast, Langella is regal and tragic as King of Colchis......its a pleasure to see a production like this give equal attention to story as to spectacle.
The musical score is passionate and humanistic but lacks the heroic majesty of Bernard Hermann's soundtrack from the 1963 version. Some reviewers felt that the actor in the lead was flat as Jason. Perhaps, but if you look at what this character is actually doing, you may find that the only way to bring Jason to life is to paint him as a scoundrel. I mean, here's a guy who sailed to the end of the known world to steal a precious artifact from a people who welcomed him. Anyone who knows the actual myth knows that it was actually Medea who repeatedly made Jason's successes possible. It was Medea who hypnotized the serpent guarding the golden fleece so Jason could steal it, Medea who killed her own younger brother so Jason could escape while her father stopped to pick up the pieces of the body, Medea who tricked Jason's uncle's daughters into murdering their father. And how does Jason repay all of this? He dumps Medea for a younger woman. Jason ends his days badly as a result of this, but this is an ending Hollywood never wants to show. It would be interesting to see a truly faithful version but face it, this guy isn't exactly a role-model, and even in the movie versions some of this comes through.
At any rate, this is a well-cast, spectacular remake that can be very entertaining as long as the viewer keeps an open mind and doesn't get hung up over it as being some kind of "threat" to the original.
Movie Review: Ancient tale made modern
Summary: 5 Stars
I originally saw it as a NBC mini-series event, and absolutely loved it. There is a remarkable realism on everything you see on it: scenery, costumes, props, you name it. You're really drawn into the time period of that ancient Greece.
The cast is remarkable. They all deliver wonderful performances true to the character they play, exept maybe for the main one Jason, as one other reviewer mentioned he lacks a certain commanding prescence, nevertheless, he fits perfectly the words of the script as the "youth with a pleasing face", favored by the gods. This particular movie includes one of the best adaptations ever made of Hercules, true to its myth, and exeptionally cast and performerd, which was very rare to see.
The extras on the DVD could have been better,if not a little longer.Mostly composed of cast and director's quotes with just one overall interview that seems more like a promo for the movie. Overall is a beautiful production with amazing special effects and realism that would please all lovers of ancient Greek myths. I highly recommend it!
Movie Review: Felt like reading myth stories when a kid
Summary: 5 Stars
I've really enjoyed this, especially the second time around. Putting your critical facilites on hold for three hours and just enjoying the tale for it's sheer adventure and wonder, which is why i enjoyed reading myths as a kid, isn't that hard to do as it's a really well done fantasy film if given a chance. This is actually a really good film, the first time i saw it i thought it was just allright, but now i think it's great and if you like good fantasy films, there's lots to enjoy.Movie Review: Revisiting old memories
Summary: 5 Stars
Jason and the ArgonautsI enjoyed Greek Mythology as a child and it was wonderful to have it all come to life. I felt as though I was living the adventure with them and it was very interesting to see how they handled some aspects of the myth. I really enjoyed the fulm and it will be one of my favourites. You could join me and have some fun.Movie Review: Greek Mythology
Summary: 5 Stars
I teach The Odyssey every year and I am using Jason and the Argonauts video in an "extra help" class to teach the hero's journey and this video keeps lower level kids interested and helps me to show patterns in stories and reinforce Greek gods and goddesses.