Clash of the Titans

For more than 2,000 years, there has been a fascination with the pantheon of gods that dominated ancient Grecian culture. Why? Too complex for one blog entry.
Needless to say, there have been multiple book and film adaptations of Greek myths, from Disney's "Hercules" to the most recent blockbuster, "Clash of the Titans." (There will be another coming out this year about the third of the most famous demi-god trio, Theseus.)
It's like Arthur, Robin Hood, and other legends that have lived on. Each generation brings forth its own version, and that version says as much about the current culture as anything.
So, what does "Clash of the Titans" say about 2010 Hollywood?
First, it hits on that weird little thing inside each of us, even someone who has starred in one of the most gut-wrenching films ever made about the holocaust, that would love to say, "RELEASE THE KRAKEN!" for legitimate reasons.
Second, it says that even though we don't have the attention span for more than two lines at a time of very easy to understand dialogue, we do however want to watch a 15-minute chase scene where you really can't see what's going on, but, it's a miracle of modern technology and CGI, so, we should just be amazed.
Third, it says that for whatever reason, we like Zeus (here played by Liam Neeson). Modern film adaptations, even ones that acknowledge the mythological stories detailing how Zeus was not above raping the occasional woman, still have the god-with-the-lightning bolt coming out smelling like a daisy of a deity.
Even is this film when he's allowing his brother, Hades (Ralph Fiennes), to systematically destroy mankind for its "defiance," he's still kinda likeable. Hades, on the other hand, is creeptastic. Hades is always creeptastic, though. As inconsistent as Greek myths are in the telling and re-tellings, one thing remains the same: no one really likes Hades.
Ok, so, ready made bad guy. Brother Zeus lets the bad guy play for a while because he's mad at the humans. But oh, wait, Hades isn't really trying to avenge the gods. After how many millenia, you'd think the creators of the present world would see more of this coming, but, you know. They're only gods.
So, enter Perseus. He's the illegitimate son of Zeus. That makes him a demi-god.
But, he's raised as a fisherman who loves his family. He doesn't long for adventure or the chance to be a hero, he just loves his family.
It is love of his family that later drives him to join with the warriors of Argos to defeat the Kraken and stick it to the gods.
See, here's the thing: all of the fighting undertaken in Greek mythology had a point. Maybe it was Hercules' tests to atone for shedding innocent blood, maybe it was Theseus quest to prove himself worthy, maybe it was Perseus seeking to rescue Andromeda...there was a purpose.
In 2010, however, blockbuster films like to have stuff happen just to happen. There's a contingent of warriors that are systematically destroyed in various and sundry ways, mostly I think just to show off what a stud Perseus is in comparison. Though, it's not really a fair comparison when you consider the whole Zeus factor...which pops up often through the film.
It's an interesting contradiction: a man driven to say, "hey, screw you gods!" ...but the only way he can accomplish it is with a little divine intervention. (Spoiler alert!) He eschews a life on Olympus, so he can live with his magically resuscitated lover and his Pegasus. Ok, really? I'd give up Olympus, too.
Anyway.
The film has some fantastic visuals, like Hades and the Kraken. Some are effective, and some drag on too long, like the montage of vast landscapes to showcase the epic journey Perseus undertakes...and completes in less than four days. Sorry, but if it happens in less than two weeks, it's not an 'epic' journey. It also has some interesting re-inventing of plotlines and characters (apparently giant scorpions sound rather like camels. who knew?).
It has the obligatory voice over to explain what's happening to people who have never read 'The Iliad' or 'The Odyssey.' And, as previously mentioned, a ridiculously long "chase" scene toward the end where a lot of stuff gets destroyed and I got bored.
And, despite the title, there are no Titans that clash. Only people and gods. And neither side really "wins." Figure that one out. It could be a metaphor for...no, never mind. I wouldn't look for too much of that. Just admire the CGI and move on.