Jason and the Argonauts
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Movie Reviews of Jason and the Argonauts
Movie Review: WHITHER THOU GOEST
Summary: 4 Stars
Let's forget the 1963 version and Ray Harryhausen's incomparable stop motion animation, and look at this Hallmark made for TV version on its own merits. Handsomely filmed and epically proportioned, JASON AND THE ARGONAUTS is a rousing, sometimes outstanding, version of this classic Greek myth. Nick Willing keeps the action moving fairly quickly, although at times it seems to outstay its welcome in terms of length. A surplus of padded shots including the hull of the Argos traipsing through the waters. Most of the special effects are very good: I particularly liked having Zeus and Hera in the heavens; it was not only metaphorically neat, but it was visually beautiful as well. Angus McFadyen as Zeus and Olivia Williams as Hera looked divine. The special effect that was below par was the mechanical bull; it seemed not only anachronistically out of place, but it looked cheesy. Also, the skeletons were nowhere near as frightening as those in Harryhausen's version (oops, I slipped and made a comparison!). The others, however, particularly the Harpies and Poseidon were ingenuous.
Brian Thompson's Hercules was the best performance; he seemed not only gigantically strong, but his bragging about his historic seven deeds was a nice addition. Dennis Hopper was basically boring as the evil king, and Frank Langella wasn't strong enough either. Natasha Henstridge's bit as the Amazon queen was fetching. The main problem with the cast was Jason London, who did not have the maturity or strength to carry the role. He seemed like a weak leader, one I would have been remiss to follow. London just doesn't have the chops to play such an integral role.
Overall, though, it's an entertaining version of the myth and looked sumptuous. Simon Boswell's score was also a highlight.
Movie Review: Give it a chance.
Summary: 4 Stars
Almost all of the negative reviews revolve around a comparison to the original. I personally have some issues with the original's stop-motion animation. Filmmakers don't use that technique anymore because it isn't realistic. Yes it's a classic...but let's view this new version with an open mind.
The effects in this version are outstanding. I really enjoyed the gods up in the clouds bickering and messing around with the lives of mortals. Exactly how they are portrayed in mythology.
I only happened across this movie when it was on SciFi channel, after Kull the Conqueror. If you really want to see the worst movie of the 20th century...check out Kull. Not even watchable. But when Jason and the Argonauts came on, I was immediately taken by the depth of the acting. I think the choice of Jason London was done on purpose...he obviously is portraying an "innocent", not established in any way as a man, and at the whim of the gods.
And I happen to believe that Baron Munchausen is one of the most glorious scifi/fantasy movies ever made (along with Dune), so I consider any comparisons a compliment to the new Argonauts.
(Side note...this is apparently a fullscreen DVD. I do not know why they continue to make these. I am looking into the widescreen version, which is apparently only available in Region 2 PAL format.)
Movie Review: Despite weak lead, this "Jason.." still entertains.
Summary: 4 Stars
This recent NBC mini-series covers the classic Greek myth of young Jason, who sought the Golden Fleece in his quest to be king. Unlike the classic Ray Harryhausen film of the 60's, this version is a little more grim and dark than usual for this type of film, but it entertains nevertheless. Brian Thompson (the alien bounty hunter from THE X-FILES TV show) is a hearty and jovial Hercules, while the kings of Frank Langella and Dennis Hopper and Natasha Henstridge's queen provide ample opposition for our hero. As the musician Orpheus, Adrian Lester delivers a thoughtful and solid performance. Robert McFadden is good as a petulant, yet puckish, Zeus. Unfortunately, where this movie falters is in the performance of Jason London as our hero. While he has the "angry young man" aspect right, he lacks the heroic passion and fire (that Todd Armstrong displayed in the 60's version) needed to be a credible leader of his Argonaut crew. Fortunately, there is so much action and special effects in this film that it can be overlooked to some degree. While not the classic that Harryhausen created, this is still an intelligent and solid film version of a favorite myth.Movie Review: Great actors, but the story seems a bit hurried,no "Hydra"?
Summary: 4 Stars
Perhaps it is only because it is written in a way that a myth might have been, and not like a regular Hollywood movie, it is a bit difficult to invest in the characters, except a few favorites like Hercules that we already know. It jumps around from challenge to challenge almost as quickly as Baron von Munchausen...
It also seems to be intentionally doing some things differently from the tale that I remember. Instead of a Hydra with multiple heads, we are given something more like a giant Iguana. On the other hand, the bull was a very neat touch.
Jolene Blalock is as beautiful as ever, and Dennis Hopper is a great villian, even if he probably should have worn brown contact lenses to fit the "Greek" look better.
Overall it was a good movie, and left me wanting more even after the long showing, which is a good sign.
Great movie for young teen boys who've never thought anything conceived before 1990 was worth it, and might get them interested in reading Greek mythology, as the classic movie did with me years ago.
Movie Review: Gimme an F-L-E-E-C-E!
Summary: 4 Stars
A superb adaptation of the JASON AND THE ARGONAUTS tale from Greek mythology brought to you by the kind folks at Hallmark Entertainment (yes, the same who bring you FARSCAPE) and NBC Entertainment.With a cast that includes Jason London as Jason, Dennis Hopper as Pelias, and STAR TREK ENTERPRISE's Jolene Blalock, the Argonauts take up the quest for the Golden Fleece ... complete with television grade special effects and acting.
One drawback to the DVD presentation is that it only boasts a Dolby Surround 2.0 Audio, but it doesn't detract from the overall experience of the miniseries.