What Do The Critics Say?

"A delightfully fun and magical fantasy film, the likes of which hasn't been seen since the first Pirates or Lord of the Rings. Very few modern writers have been able to capture the feel of fantasy masters Tolkien and C.S. Lewis as well as comic writer Neil Gaiman, and it's somewhat surprising that "Stardust" is the first major feature film based on one of Gaiman's printed works, a graphic novel done in the late '90s with artist Charles Vess." Edward Douglas COMINGSOON.NET "No, Stardust isn't a children's movie. It's a movie for anyone, of any age, who believes in magic, or wishes they did." Amy Biancolli HOUSTON CHRONICLE "A wonderfully inventive fairy tale that is original and defiant, as well as hilarious and adventurous." Angela Baldassarre SYMPATICO "It's the closest the movies have come in a while to the nudgy, knowing fairy-tale enchantment of The Princess Bride." Owen Gleiberman ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY "It's been quite some time since a fantasy adventure this cheekily entertaining has made its way down the pipeline." Peter Canavese GROUCHO REVIEWS "Well, look what fell out of nowhere. Based on the book by Neil Gaiman and Charles Vess, is a wonderfully wrought fantasy, along the lines of "The Adventures of Baron Munchausen," "Brazill" and "The Princess Bride." It's not for little folks but older kids and grownups will be delighted by this mind-boggling tale of an enchanted world and a boy in search of manhood and his mother." Linda Cook QUAD CITY TIMES

"As with most fairy tales, it can sound silly and overcomplicated because, really, it is silly and overcomplicated. That's part of the fun, part of its out of this world power." Tom Maurstad DALLAS MORNING NEWS "Stardust comes as close as any newfangled fairy tale in recent years to sating the appetite of dream-hungry moviegoers." Jan Stuart NEWSDAY "A first-class fantasy film, one of the best. Gaiman is a fresh and a different voice in fantasy writing so the film is full of surprises and some genuinely funny jokes." Mark R Leeper REC ARTS MOVIE REVIEWS "It is a film of awe and beauty, a flight of fancy bursting with the great marvels of the imagination." David Cornelius eFILMCRITIC "Stardust bops along smoothly and confidently, filled with color and wit. Like its nearest predecessor "The Princess Bride", it borrows liberally from centuries of tall tales, tumbling out like a bedtime story made up on the spot by a grandfather, or, in this case, by Neil Gaiman, the hipster dream-weaver who crossed over from comic books to bestseller lists." Rob Gonsalves eFILMCRITIC

The Inside Story "You can’t cross the wall, nobody crosses the wall." Victoria to Tristan Thorne. "I set out in the beginning to tell a story about a young man who goes after his heart’s desire only to discover it isn’t his heart’s desire," says Gaiman of his novel. "I started with that one idea in my head and followed that all the way to the end; and was very proud when I got there that the story did exactly what I had set out for it to do." While Gaiman may have set out simply to spin a great yarn, once it hit the light of day and won over fans of all ages, "“Stardust" seemed destined for the big screen. From its initial publication, there was talk of what an epic cinematic experience the tale could become in our contemporary era of high-tech movie-making and special effects. But, intriguingly, it took the passion of an indie director best known for his skill with the visceral and the gritty, Matthew Vaughn, to make this fantastic world come to life on screen with all its simple storybook charm intact. Vaughn had earlier come to the fore as the producer of the fast-paced, fun-loving, influential British action comedies "Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels" and "Snatch", and made an acclaimed directorial debut with the clever gangster thriller “Layer Cake” featuring Daniel Craig in the role that helped to win him the iconic part of James Bond. Although the far sweeter, fairy tale territory of Stardust was a complete change of gears for Vaughn, he had been hooked by the story in mere moments of reading. Like all of Stormhold, Vaughn was quickly seduced by the meteoric beauty and all the characters who would use her in one way or another to fulfill their desires. "I thought it was one of the most wonderful, original stories I’d ever read," he recalls. "And as a director, I’m mainly interested in telling stories, which seems like a forgotten art in modern movies. This was clearly a story that was meant to be made as a film." Inspired by the magic Gaiman had created on the page, Vaughn sought out the writer’s blessing. The author had, up till his meeting with Vaughn, resisted the idea of making his novel into a film but Vaughn's love for the material and exuberantly creative ideas swayed him. Gaiman revealed what sealed the deal "Most of all, I trusted him," he said. Taking Gaiman’s, Vaughn sought out the British novelist/screenwriter, Jane Goldman. "Our goal in the adaptation was to keep the story as faithful to the book as possible, while, at the same time, making it more cinematic and using a bit of our own poetic license to ensure that audiences will have a fantastic ride," Vaughn explained. "Inside this incredible adventure are a lot of ideas about identity and fitting in and following your heart, which I think are things that everyone can relate to in real life," Goldman says. When Neil Gaiman read the first draft of the screenplay, his support for the project grew even stronger. "It was thrillingly exciting for me because it was quite good," he said. "It was funny and scary and had a very filmic quality to it." Gaiman now joined forces with Vaughn and Goldman to develop the screenplay even further; each pushing the other’s imaginations to a further edge. When the screenplay was finally complete, the man who then came along to put the feature film into fast forward was producer Lorenzo di Bonaventura ("Doom", "Transformers" & "Shooter"), who perhaps not surprisingly, was also involved in taking the beloved Harry Potter from novel to motion picture blockbuster and family classic. Di Bonaventura was instantly impressed with the film’s vision. "The script was an extraordinary piece of material that successfully intermeshed many different tones," he says. "There was romance, there was drama and there was laugh-out-loud humor. Most of all, there was the story of a boy becoming a man and falling in love even as he also overcomes pirates, witches, megalomaniac princes and all kinds of wonders." No the search began for the right cast. Everything all hinged on finding a young actor to embody the story’s central hero, Tristan Thorne. They chose Charlie Cox, a relative newcomer who was ready for his breakthrough role. "For Tristan, we wanted someone who could start out a bit more awkward and become truly handsome, dashing and courageous along the way, someone with a sense of innocence and a sort of naïve, single-minded drive," notes di Bonaventura. "Matthew had a very clear point of view of what he wanted and Charlie came along as the favorite very early in the process." But what of the long audition process Cox went through? "Usually, an actor auditions once, gets the part and then works out the character, but we actually developed the character during the audition process," Cox notes. "As it turns out, that was a huge advantage because, as soon as I got the role, I already knew Matthew and I were going in the same direction." And what about all his high profile co-stars? "Robert De Niro and I got together for a few days before filming and that was a good way to get to know each other and start figuring out the sword-fighting." And the wicked witch Michelle Pfeiffer? "She’s playing this ugly, scary witch so it was pretty crazy to see her in that kind of role, but I found her to be a truly lovely person and the moments I had on screen with her were brilliant." As for Clare Danes, Cox notes, "We had a fantastic time working together and became quite good friends along the way." Danes portrays Yvaine, one of the film’s most challenging characters who is not an ordinary human woman at all, but a fallen star from the heavens. "Claire is an impeccable actress," says di Bonaventura. "We needed someone with really strong acting chops to take Yvaine from this sharp-tongued character to the center of the fairy tale romance, and Claire brings that across as no one else could." It turns out, Danes is a huge fan of Gaiman. Of her character she says, "She’s a riot. I knew it would be a real challenge to try to render a star as a human being, but it was definitely a fun one. The fun part is watching her real personality unfurl as the story goes on." And on working with De Niro and the pirates? "It was really fun to have pirates involved because it’s such a classic fantasy motif to escape into," Danes says adding, "but I did have to pinch myself when I realized I was being dragged across the floor of a pirate ship by Robert De Niro." The film reunites Cox with Sienna Miller who appeared as brother and sister Giovanni and Francesca Bruni, in Lasse Hallström’s romantic comedy "Casanova". "We go way back and he’s fantastic so it was great to work with him again," Miller says. "The film’s really got so many great people in it; from Robert De Niro to Michelle Pfeiffer to Ricky Gervais; it’s lots of familiar faces in very different, fun roles." From the start, the filmmakers knew that one of the most vital roles to cast would be that of Captain Shakespeare, the rugged pirate who sails the open skies, but closely guards a secret. The idea was to go with someone completely unexpected and against the grain. Once you've seen the film you'll agree that they made a wonderful choice. "We decided to look for someone who would be recognized right away as an indisputable tough guy, which makes Captain Shakespeare even more surprising as a character," producer di Bonaventura explained. "We went through a long list of people but Bob kept coming up because I’ve done a number of movies with him and he’s such a tremendous actor. We also thought that since Stormhold is such an exotic place where anything can happen, why couldn’t we have a pirate with the essence of a colorful New Yorker?" For Vaughn, Gaiman and Goldman, De Niro’s decision to join the cast was their own fantasy come true. "We always hoped to have a big star in the role, and in our wildest dreams we thought maybe even a Robert De Niro. But it was amazing that it actually happened. He took the role of Captain Shakespeare and made it so much bigger and meatier than we ever imagined," says Gaiman. An equally thrilling piece of casting for the team was having Michelle Pfeiffer onboard as the eternal youth seeking witch Lamia. It's not the first time she has played a witch on the big-screen. She played Sukie Ridgemont in the 1987 film, "The Witches of Eastwick". "It’s a real treat to see Michelle again in a role where she is ripping up the screen," says di Bonaventura. "Michelle was just so perfect. She’s such a beautiful woman but she plays a scary old witch brilliantly as well. It’s a great testament to her skill because she’s not a cartoon witch by any means. She brings a real intelligence and depth to Lamia," says screenwriter Goldman. The film is filled with a treasure trobe of characters, played by wonderful actors and actresses such as Ricky Gervais, Rupert Everett, Joanna Scanlon ("Notes on a Scandal"), Sarah Alexander ("I Could Never Be Your Woman"), Melanie Hill ("Brassed Off"), Peter O'Toole ("Venus") and Kate Magowan ("24 Hour Party People"). And just in case you're curious, and I know you are, the village of Wall is a combination of two inimitably charming, medieval Cotswold villages: the Lake District village of Bibury, lined with natural stone cottages (once described by the artist William Morris as "the most beautiful village in England") and the lushly wooded village of Castle Combe, which has remained nearly unchanged since the twelthe century, thanks to strict preservation rules. "Stardust" is a wonderful adventure and a very rewarding experience. di Bonaventura says that's because "A lot of alchemy went into creating this magical movie, starting with Neil’s book to Matthew and Jane’s script and then on to the wonderful performances." Synopsis

Eager to win the hand of the beautiful Victoria, Tristan promises to bring back to her, a fallen star. To do so he must first pass through a hole in the village wall, that has, for hundreds of years, kept the villagers safely apart form the strange, supernatural realm that lies just on the other side. In this fantastical realm known as Stormhold, Tristan discovers that the fallen star is not the meteorite he expected, but a beautiful, spirited young woman injured by her cosmic tumble. Now, she is in terrible danger, sought after by the King's scheming sons for whom only her secret powers can secure the throne; and hunted by a chillingly powerful witch desperate to use the star to achieve eternal youth and beauty. As Tristan sets out to protect the star and bring her back to his beloved on the other side of the wall, his journey will bring unforeseen romance, high-flying adventure, and incredible encounters with a pirate Captain, a shady Trader, and an enchanted unicorn among other surprises. But if he can survive on his wits and the strength of his newfound love, Tristan will also uncover the secret to his own identity and a fate beyond his wildest dreams.

The Verdict "This is one of those films completely out of left field and so easily overlooked by cinemagoers. The storyline is a mixture of romance, adventure, intrigue, betrayal and magic. The cast is super. BAFTA Film Award winner Michelle Pfeiffer makes a wonderful, wicked, easy to despise, witch. Ruppert Everett plays a dastardly prince with conviction. Charlie Cox carries the part of Tristan well. Clare Danes is once again at the top of her game. But the biggest standouts in "Stardust" are the magical SFX/CGI work and, a glorious performance by two time Academy Award winner Robert De Niro as the swashbuckling Sky Pirate, Captain Shakespeare. Even though it has a PG rating, "Stardust" is the perfect fare for a family outing at your local cinema complex. "Stardust" has such a wide appeal I'd recommend it to everyone. And yes, it will make a great date movie too. Refreshing, remarkable and recommended. 4 1/2 STARS." Cast & Crew Bytes "STARDUST" stars .......
Charlie Cox ["Things to Do Before You're 30", "The Merchant of Venice" and "Casanova"]; Claire Danes ["Igby Goes Down", "Stage Beauty", "Shopgirl", "The Family Stone" and "Evening"]; Golden Satellite Award winner Rupert Everett ["My Best Friend's Wedding", "The Importance of Being Earnest", "Stage Beauty" and "Separate Lies"]; Robert De Niro ["Meet the Parents", "City By The Sea", "Analyze That", "Meet the Fockers" and "The Good Shepherd"]; David Kelly ["The Run of the Country", "Greenfingers", "Mean Machine", "The Calcium Kid" and "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory"]; 2002, 2003, 2004 & 2007 BAFTA TV Award and 2006 & 2007 EMMY Award winner Ricky Gervais ["Dog Eat Dog", "For Your Consideration", "Night at the Museum", TV'S "The Office" and "Extras"] and Michelle Pfeiffer ["The Russia House", "Batman Returns", "I Am Sam", "White Oleander" and "Hairspray"] as Lamia the Witch.
"STARDUST" was .......
directed by Matthew Vaughn ["Layer Cake"]; screenplay by Jane Goldman ["Stardust"] and Matthew Vaughn ["Stardust"]; set decoration by 1990 & 2000 Academy Award winner Peter Young ["Batman", "Sleepy Hollow", "The Mummy Returns", "Shanghai Knights" and "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory"]; costume design by Sammy Sheldon ["Black Hawk Down", "The Calcium Kid", "Kinky Boots" and "V for Vendetta"]; production design by Gavin Bocquet ["Radioland Murders", "xXx", "xXx 2" and "Star Wras: Episode I, II & III"]; edited by Jon Harris ["Snatch", "Layer Cake", "The Banker" and "The Descent"]; cinematography by Ben Davis ["Miranda", "Layer Cake", "Imagine Me & You" and "Hannibal Rising"]; original music by Ilan Eshkeri ["Layer Cake", "The Banker" and "Hannibal Rising"]. Who's Who?

Charlie Cox Michelle Pfeiffer Claire Danes Kate Magowan Melanie Hill Sienna Miller Rupert Everett Robert De Niro David Kelly Peter O'Toole Struan Rodger Mark Strong Jason Flemyng Mark Heap David Walliams Julian Rhind-Tutt Adam Buxton Sarah Alexander

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Tristan Lamia Yvaine Slave Girl/Una Ditchwater Sal Victoria Secundus Captain Shakespeare Guard King Bishop Septimus Primus Tertius Sextus Quartus Quintus Empusa

Run Time 127 minutes Rated PG [AUST] Copyright ©2007 - Paramount Pictures - All Rights Reserved ©2007 All Rights Reserved - Protected by Australian & International Copyright. Trademark Laws Apply.