We were so disappointed in Arthur and the Invisibles that I wasn't sure if we should watch Stardust, based on Neil Gaiman's novel. So many of these kids' fantasies come up short of the mark. Not this one, though.
It starts in the village of Wall, in rural England a few generations ago. A young man crosses the wall that separates the village from Fairyland, to prove that there is no Fairyland on the other side. Of course, he is wrong (although it is called Stormhold). He meets a woman there and nine months later, a baby is delivered to his door. Stardust is the story of this boy.
He grows up a painfully average boy, unaware of his connection to Stormhold. But he promises the village beauty that he will bring her a fallen star, and that takes him across the wall.
The fallen star is also being sought by the princes of Stormhold, conveniently named by birth order, Primus, Secundus, through Septimus - except they've been murdering each other, so some are ghosts. The one to find the star will inherit the kingdom.
Also after the star are three witches, lead by Michelle Pfeiffer. They can restore their lost youth and magical power by ripping out the star's heart and eating it. For the star, you see, is Claire Danes.
Claire Danes has an otherworldy beauty, huge eyes and generous lips. Her cheekbones make her a worthy adversary for Michelle Pfeiffer. You can imagine the effect she has on our young hero.
And the quest is on, princes, ghosts, witches and a unicorn. And I haven't even mentioned Air Pirate Robert Deniro.
We liked it so much, we're watching another Gaiman movie - MirrorMask. But I've already reviewed that one.
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