One thing to be learned from watching the Clash of the Titans Maximum Movie Mode special Blu-ray feature - the cast and crew definitely had fun making the feature. Perhaps too much fun, as the final product seemed like an over-the-top feat to show the best special effects, and throw plot and character development on the back burner.

Clash of the Titans follows Perseus, the demigod son of Zeus (played by Liam Neeson), as he grows up and fights a long list of mythical creatures, including giant scorpions, Medusa, and of course the Kraken, who was let loose by Hades (played rather amusingly - unintentionally or otherwise - by Ralph Fiennes). It's a story based in mythological times, but naturally peppered and altered to appeal to today's masses; the dialogue is bland, the characterisations for practically all those involved are incomplete and oftentimes one-dimensional. If so few characters are difficult to relate with - especially as so many are gods and demigods - it becomes a bit cumbersome to care all too much about them. That became the case with Clash of the Titans; it did not help that the lead actor, Sam Worthington (Perseus), overacted in almost all his scenes; it was nearly cringe-worthy at times.

Neeson and Fiennes do play the best and worst of the Greek gods, and with such grand roles does come a sense of bravado and hubris. Both actors were able to deliver in that respect. Neeson played Zeus as supreme overload of the universe - as he should, portraying Zeus - and Fiennes is hisslithering, dark, and despicable counterpart in Hades, god of the underworld. While his Hades was pathetic in the way he tried to manipulate mortals, yet was constantly undermined by Zeus, there was a soft hiss to the way he spoke, and even a glint of red eyes, which was rather disheartening. Fiennes was finally given the chance to portray something near to Lord Voldemort, but unfortunately it was a non-Harry Potter film. If only Fiennes could keep Hades' demeanour and voice for the last Harry Potter films - it would be an improvement.

Clash of the Titans is aesthetically beautiful, with gloriously vivid sets and impressive CGI, but it lacks in story-telling, and the characters are uninteresting. It's a fun popcorn movie, but nothing too deep beyond that. It's definitely not as deep in plot and heart as the original Clash of the Titans film made in 1981, but it's still two hours of action-packed fun featuring some of Britain's best actors happily hamming it up.

Clash of the Titans, out July 27, can be ordered via the following links:

Amazon.com: Clash of the Titans DVD; Clash of the Titans Blu-ray
Amazon.co.uk: Clash of the Titans DVD; Clash of the Titans Blu-ray
WBShop: Clash of the Titans DVD; Clash of the Titans Blu-ray