Jason and the Argonauts
by Nick Willing
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Product details
Actor: Derek Jacobi, Frank Langella, Jason London, Natasha Henstridge, Olivia WilliamsDirector: Nick Willing
Edition: VHS Tape
Format: PAL
VHS Movie Reviews of Jason and the Argonauts
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: 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: Mythological Fiction
Summary: 3 Stars
This was a better-than-average attempt to portray a mythological literary event on film. Not for the very young, as some disturbing violent scenes are present. I DO happen to like this genre of movie, however, even though hardly any of them would rate 5-stars in my humble opinion. Movie Review: Great set, terrible acting
Summary: 2 Stars
Having seen Hallmark's production of The Odyssey, I expected this version of Jason and the Argonauts to meet those same standards. It didn't! Alessandro plays such a great Odysseus, and I think this is what makes that version of the Odyssey so great. The settings and effects are okay, but it's good because of the excellence the actors use in playing the characters. Hallmark's Jason and the Argonauts has a great set with good costumes etc., but Jason and Orpheus are terribly misrepresented by the actors in this film! Jason and Orpheus are perhaps two of the most important characters, yet they are portrayed by the worst actors in the film. I'm sorry, but a great set simply cannot make up for this. Movie Review: Great Mythological Story/Bad Director!
Summary: 1 Stars
I enjoy Greek Mythology and I love this story. Although there was alot of bad acting especially from the lead character Jason, who acted like he was stoned throughout the film. I was expecting the Hydra guarding the golden fleece but got a oversized Komoto Dragon(Lost me there) This Film had potential but the director went off on some wierd drug indused trip. Overall I was dissappointed and was expecting more. Sorry!
Summary of Jason and the Argonauts
Is your classical Greek rusty? This is just the thing--a feast of epic Greek mythology--and the classic tale of Good (Jason, Theseus, Hercules, Orpheus) versus Evil (angry gods, Poseidon, Harpies, the women of Lemnos) is a great introduction. The plot has been entertaining people for thousands of years and is still going strong--now strengthened by great special effects and good acting. Sure, some people will think this version isn't "high culture" enough (it's a bit reminiscent of The Clash of the Titans), but those folks should probably be reading Bulfinch's Mythology instead of watching TV anyway.The DVD includes a "making of" documentary, "notable and quotable," detailed cast and crew information, scene access, and Dolby surround sound. Even hard-core fans of Ray Harryhausen's 1963 stop-motion-animation version will find room in their hearts (and DVD libraries) for this one. Although the basic plot elements are the same, the two versions achieve very different (and both quite enjoyable) effects. The new Jason and the Argonauts is something kids and adults can all enjoy. --Tara Chace
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