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StardustStars: Michelle Pfeiffer, Claire Danes, Charlie Cox, Peter O'Toole, Robert De Niro, Ricky Gervais, Sienna Miller, Rupert Everett and Jason FlemyngDirector: Matthew VaughnScriptwriters: Jane Goldman and Matthew Vaughn (based on the novel by Neil Gaiman)Music: Ilan EshkeriParamount PicturesRating: PG 13Running Length: 100 minutes

So you thought falling stars were either a wonder of science or a myth? Make a wish, etc? Well, guess again. Stardust (from the novel by Neil Gaiman) presents the idea that falling stars are actually people who have sort of tripped up there, jumped the curb and landed on Earth. In this fanciful and humorous tale, the fallen star is a woman (Claire Danes) who is found by Charlie Cox. Charlie is smitten with arrogant Sienna Miller and wants to present her with the "star" as a token of his love. Not so easy, as others are looking for the star, too. The story has twists, intrigue, special effects and actors playing against type. Stardust is a fairy tale gone wild. As story unfolds, Charlie lives in a medieval looking village called Wall. So named because next to it is a wall that no one is supposed to cross---on the other side, is the magical land of Stormhold. Part of the humor is the gatekeeper who has endless things to keep people away from his portion of the wall. Charlie has seen a star falling on the other side of the wall and wants it for Sienna. He sneaks across, finds the star---actually Claire---and tries to take her back. Unfortunately, wicked witch Michelle Pfeiffer wants the star so she can retain her own youth and that of her two sisters (Joanna Scanlon and Sarah Alexander), although the latter two are already falling apart. On the route to escape, Charlie and Claire run afoul of not only Michelle, but Robert De Niro, who is the captain of a flying ship. De Niro, as Captain Shakespeare, has his own secret. Also in the mix is evil Melanie Hill and her captive, Kate Magowan. Everyone has something they don't want anyone else to know, plus everyone has their own agenda, spells are cast randomly, Peter O'Toole is a king and Ricky Gervais is Ferdy the Fence. Stardust is beautifully set and as such, your eyes are trying to take it all in, while things are happening and humorous one-liners are spoken. In other words, don't fall asleep in this film. Michelle Pfeiffer and Robert De Niro steal the movie.They look as though they are having fun. Pfeiffer isn't afraid to show an aging process and goes from diva to crone in the snap of long fingernails. With the name of Captain Shakespeare, one would expect to see the bard, himself, but in the story, here comes Robert De Niro, instead. De Niro's ship almost takes away from he and his crew. The flying boat is wonderful. Claire Danes comes off as a bit mild in the role of the fallen star and Charlie Cox, a British actor who may be a newcomer to film audiences, hits his stride later in the film. Jason Flemyng and Rupert Everett as the king's sons spin their dialogue with just the right timing. In fact, that's what makes this film tick, precise timing. Director Matthew Vaughn ("Layer Cake" with Daniel Craig) takes several story lines and weaves them together well. There is the star and the guy who captured her, De Niro and his crew, the king and his sons, the witches, and a con artist and her captive. What a ride and about the only thing missing is a Hobbit. Special effects are fine and go from the flying ship to the mysterious wall to the witches make-up. Oh, and toss in a few ghosts, too. The film is rated PG 13, for violence and adult themes, so just because it looks like a fairy tale, it isn't for children. I'm still laughing. Director Matthew Vaughn has a starry future, indeed. Copyright 2007 Marie Asner

I totally did not know what to expect going into this week’s fantasy film, Stardust. This movie just screamed winter release to me. That area between Thanksgiving and Christmas is usually the time these films pop up. You now like Narnia and this years Golden Compass. Movies with flying boats and enchanted unicorns and all that non-summer stuff. Summer is made for blowing up robots not saving damsels. Boy was I ever wrong. And pleased to be.

It is tough to sum up this movie in a few synoptic lines. The previews give you only a hint of what this love story, adventure-comedy is truly about. Like all great movies it starts with a guy and girl. And from there it adds witches and kings and princes and swashbuckling pirates of the air. It is as much an adventure as any love story you will ever encounter. As our hero Tristran (Charlie Cox) goes in search of a falling star (Claire Danes) he encounters a world full of enchantment, danger and characters worthy of cult status. Tristran soon discovers he is not the only one with stars in his eyes and the searcher soon becomes the protector.

This film could easily become a cult classic in the line of Princess Bride. The unexpected humor and wit in the writing puts this way above most fantasy flicks. It is not forceful and never takes itself too serious. Plus the look of this film feels classic already. It could have been made in the '80’s or '90’s with its subtle effects and old school look. Nothing screams 2007 blockbuster. I think it will be this latter trait that makes this a timeless film that will grow in popularity over the years. Even if it does not top the money maker list this weekend it will be around for the long haul. I can picture people discovering this film a year from now and wondering why the never saw it.

Stardust is rated PG-13 for some fantasy violence and risqué humor. The language is very mild and is void of any sexual escapades while the violence is kept to a few sword scuffles. The main thing for parents to be concerned about is the element of witchcraft and sorcery. Many younger preteens may find the witches quite scary and menacing. Those 12 and over will all find something lovable about this film and will laugh throughout. It is certainly a surprisingly, enchanting film. I give it a solid 4 out of 5 dead princes. With a look at Stardust, I’m Matt Mungle.

The Mungle (08/08/07)

Matt is a member of the North Texas Film Critics Association (NTFCA) and hosts the weekly syndicated Indie Rock Radio Show Spin 180. Plus with his wife Cindy they do a weekly radio feature, The Mungles on Movies. For additional reviews and interview clips visit the website www.mungleshow.com