From as far back as I can remember I have been an extremely picky movie go-er. Anyone who has gone to the movies with me knows how easily irritated I get with the slightest distraction, or any sign of horrible acting and I’m immediately turned off.

When it comes to magical, mystical fantasy movies I’m like a father, meeting my daughter’s new boyfriend for the first time.

I was a big fan of the Lord of the Rings series – after the reading the books of course. Since the Harry Potter debut phenomenon the movie industry has latched onto the magical genre. Movies like Lord of the Rings, The Golden Compass (set to debut later this year) and the current release of Stardust have brought the fantasy genre back to life on the big screen.

I managed to catch Stardust at a free screening this week. The light hearted, funny, romantic, action flick didn’t take it self too seriously but just enough to get a full applause from the audience after the screening.

The great cast, including Robert De Niro, Michelle Pfeiffer, Claire Danes, Sienna Miller, and Charlie Cox brought the characters and storyline to life. With the combination of great acting and stellar computer affects this movie has my fantasy-approved rubber stamp. However, if you’re a big book reader I would recommend reading the book first. Either way, this movie is unlikely to disappoint. But I’ll leave that decision to the real critics.
—Eming Piansay