Wrath of the Titans (2012)

When it’s over, too many holes leave this action packed story unfulfilling.  This follow up to 2010's remake of 1981's Clash of the Titans succeeds at making the action bigger, but fails at telling a story that feels complete.  The story takes place 10 years after demigod, Perseus (Sam Worthington), defeated the Kraken.  He has returned to a quiet life as a fisherman and father to 10 year old Helius (John Bell), but when news of his father, Zeus (Liam Neeson), who has been taken captive in the Underworld by Hades (Ralph Fiennes) and Ares (Edgar Ramirez), Perseus is forced to take up his sword once again.  Aided by the help of Queen Andromeda (Rosamund Pike) and another demigod, Agenor (Toby Kebbell), son of Poseidon, Perseus journeys into the Underworld to save his father and to save mankind from the powers of Kronos, leader of the Titans and father to Zeus, Hades, & Poseidon.   Having mentioned all the major players in this film, it's clear that the story is far from simple.  With the introduction of so many new characters as well as defining already existing ones, the story struggles to produce consistent emotional momentum as well as information to fill in the blanks.  Some examples are (1) If Andromeda is Perseus's new love interest, their scenes together are anything but romantic.  (2) The shift in Hades’s loyalty changes too abruptly to make his change credible or realistic.  (3) Where does Ares’s hatred for Zeus come from?  A few words of explanation doesn’t make the emotion believable, and thus, needs to be shown (maybe it could’ve been done through flashbacks).  (4) Perseus has never completely accepted Zeus as his father, so why the sudden change of heart?  Perhaps in 10 years, Perseus has grown to accept his demigod status.  Again, some quick flashbacks would have helped to give reason for his actions.  Aside from the plot setbacks, the film’s action sequences does have good entertainment value.  Also, I really liked the underlying theme of father and sons.  This aspect was well integrated into the story allowing the story to go full circle.  Too bad, it looks like a round slice of swiss cheese.

My rating:  3 out of 5