'Immortals' new take on classic myth
By Matt Grantz, Assistant Editor
December 1 , 2011
 “Immortals” is the latest movie based upon Greek mythology that shows a war among both mortals and gods.
The film begins with Heraklion king Hyperion (Mickey Rourke) invading a monastery in search of a mystical oracle. While there, Hyperion reveals that he holds a grudge against the Olympian gods because his son died despite his prayers to the gods. His grudge has led him to try to release the Titans, who the Olympians had sealed away long ago.
Hyperion’s forces begin advancing on a village where Theseus (Henry Cavill) lives with his mother. Greek soldiers begin to evacuate the village which leads Theseus to attempt to gain protection for his group of evacuees which is scheduled to leave the town last. A Greek soldier named Lysander (Joseph Morgan) fights Theseus, but Theseus embarrasses him, resulting in the Greek commander supporting Theseus.
Lysander then betrays the Greeks and goes to Hyperion’s camp. Hyperion interrogates him and allows Lysander to join his army on the condition that he not be allowed to reproduce. Afterwards, Hyperion’s army marches on Theseus’s village, starting a chain of events that leads Theseus into an epic battle against Hyperion and his hordes.
“Immortals” showcases a truly awe inspiring set of special effects. I generally shoot holes in a film’s special effects, but these really were great and fit into the story very well. The only problem is that those under 17 (or lacking ID) better find an adult to take them.
As for the story, it does divert rather greatly from classic Greek mythology, so those of you who are experts may wish to avoid “Immortals.” Additionally, audiences are left with several questions by the time the movie ends, such as “Why are the Titans blue?” Once a viewer gets past these questions (some of which are more important than my example), the plot of “Immortals” is tolerable.
Overall, I have to say I’m neutral on “Immortals.” In addition to the special effects, anyone looking for lots of action and gore will enjoy it, but anyone looking for a well told story might be left hanging.
 
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