Stardust

Michelle Pfeiffer, Robert de Niro, Claire Danes (Actors). (2007) Paramount Studios. Rated PG-13. B000WZAE1I

PLOT SUMMARY

A young man is in love with a young girl and pledges to bring her back a fallen star if she will marry him in return. He ventures into a forbidden land to find the star and finds adventure and a new love instead.

CRITICAL EVALUATION

The idea that a person will do anything for love is certainly romantic, and I admittedly found myself a bit teary eyed once during the film. The movie itself is not "mushy" by any means, and includes a good bit of action, a little suspense, and lots of fantasy to bring it to its happy conclusion. Those who read the book by Neil Gaiman may be somewhat disappointed, as often happens when books are adapted to the screen...but those who did not read the book will find the movie entertaining.

There is some violence, but no actual gore other than the blood that came from the neck of a slain prince (which was blue and not red). Also some situations (i.e. sex) that are implied but not shown.

GENRE

Fantasy/Adventure

CURRICULUM TIES

English

Compare and contrast the movie from the book.

READING LEVEL/INTEREST AGE

10 and up

CHALLENGE ISSUES

Some violence and adult situations

WHY INCLUDE THIS MOVIE

Pure entertainment value. Journeying into the land beyond the wall is forbidden and tempting and appeals to the adventurous spirit that many tween have and will experiment with.