This movie is a wonderful showcase for stop-motion modeling mixed with live-action. By 2005 CGI standards things look a little jerky and unfinished, but this does not distract from drawing the viewer into the world of Greek mythology (commercialized).

The Greek gods are butting their jealous heads together and it is up to the pawn in their game, Perseus, to save the day. This is not a movie that will evoke any sort of overwhelming emotional reactions, but it is a competent damsel-in-distress action flick with handsome heroes and ugly bad guys. The lines between good and evil are distinct and predictable.

So yes the remake may have had a bigger budget and gone with CGI (you judge if it fares better), but I'd urge you to stick with this. This is the original and Harryhausen is the man, when it comes to effects (stop motion and others). Now there are cliches and I understand if some may feel this is somehow dated ... but than you let your inner kid chained. Let it free, let it enjoy this.

Also the Owl! How could the Remake snub the Owl!?! One of the funnest things here, even if it was an obvious stab or rather nod to Star Wars and R2-D2. Still this is a fun thing to have and a very useful one. So maybe the mythology is not entirely rooted in "facts" or what I've learned about Greek mythology at least, but creative freedom is ok in that regard in my book. Nice story and well told

I loved this film as a kid, watching it again it isn't as good as I remembered it but it is very entertaining.

Admittedly the story structure is very story-book like, and some of the acting is not that great, Laurence Olivier looks the part but overacts and while Harry Hamlin looks all heroic as Perseus, his more "touching" scenes with Judi Bowker are somewhat anaemic. And the script is not the best either, it has its moments but some of it is cheesy. But there is still plenty to enjoy.

First and foremost, the stop-motion special effects are absolutely incredible! Ray Harryhausen creates some truly memorable monsters especially, to this day I am still absolutely terrified of the Gorgon Medussa and the Kraken is also amazing to look at. The scenery, architecture, cinematography and costumes are also fabulous, and the music is superb. The pacing is fine and the direction is efficient. Claire Bloom, Ursula Andress and Maggie Smith give welcome support among the star-studded cast too.

Overall, this is just an entertaining nostalgic ride, flawed yes, terrible, no. 7/10 Bethany Cox