Doug and The Movie Maniac Craig are back with more Mini Reviews! In this episode we review Frankenweenie directed by Tim Burton and starring the voices of Charlie Tahan, Martin Short, Catherine O’Hara and Winona Ryder also the great Martin Landau. Craig takes his best shot at Taken 2 starring Liam Neeson. Listen in and see if its a hit or a miss.Let us know your thoughts on Frankenweenie and Taken 2. Send your movie reviews and feedback or show suggestions to moviemadnesspodcast@gmail.com or even better call the voice mail # 260-573-0015 

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Stunning graphics, a great story and the best action, so far, make Wrath of the Titans the best action film of the year! With a cast to die for: Liam Neeson (Zeus), Sam Worthington (Perseus), Bill Nighy (Hephaestus), Ralph Fiennes (Hades) and Rosamund Pike (Queen Andromeda), and some of the most powerful fight scenes I’ve ever seen, Wrath needs to be seen on the big screen.

The plot is classic Greek mythology. The gods are at war. Unfortunately, this time, they are at war with each other. Man no longer worships them: their power in the world is waning and Kronos, their father, has promised to restore their immortality. This is not so good for humans for Kronos has decided to destroy the world. Of course, Hades, god of the underworld is right in the middle of the conflict. It appears he’s forgotten what a bastard his father is.

As the film opens, Perseus, son of Zeus and the hero, is living in a small peaceful village and raising his son Helius. When Zeus comes to him the god admits that his power is shrinking and he needs help. Man no longer prays to the gods of Olympus and their power is greatly diminished. Naturally Perseus will have none of it and Zeus is forced to confront Hades and ask his help. Poseidon, Zeus and the Ares enter the underworld to speak to the dark god and all Hell breaks loose (sorry for the pun). Perseus is forced to gather his friends and head into Tartarus to save the world.

Father against son, Brother against brother, cousin versus cousin and trips in and out of Hell certainly qualify Wrath of the Titans as Greek mythology, but it’s the story elements that make it so good. The addition of Poseidon’s son Agenor (Toby Kebbell), a ne’er do well that tried to steal Queen Andromeda’s jewels, to the story. The burgeoning love between Perseus and the Queen and Perseus’s son Helius add some depth to his character. But it’s Kronos that tops everything.

Kronos, father of the gods, greatest of the Titans and incredibly frightening is fighting for release from his ancient prison and he is pissed. Gods, humans and even the Earth is in terrible danger and Wrath of the Titans is one of best at showing this I’ve ever seen. The final scenes, when the gods unite to fight their father, are amazing. I don’t want to spoil the ending but this is one to see.

Wrath of the Titans is no masterpiece. The dialogue needs some work, the film tends to drag a bit in the beginning and it’s confusing at times but it is so much better than the new Clash of the Titans that it seems a different franchise entirely. Even the acting was much better. The characters seemed more alive and real and the chemistry is much better than the first film.   Jonathan Liebesman, the director, did an excellent job of creating an engaging film.

For the powerful and emotional ending, the incredible Kronos scenes and the all around superior quality of the graphics I’m rating Wrath of the Titans a solid 4 out of 5 stars.