My Thoughts on the Film, Stardust (2007), 5/10/2026…

Claire Danes needs no special effects to glow. 

Stardust (2007) proves this.

Adapted from a book by Neil Gaiman (The Sandman) of the same name—which I have added to my TBR—this is film is a classic Campbellian adventure. Our strapping hero Tristan, a young and dimpled Charlie Cox (Daredevil: Born Again), embarks on a quest to find a star for the woman he loves, Victoria, played by Sienna Miller (Layer Cake). 

Or so he thinks.

The target of his quest is a star, Yvaine, portrayed by Claire Danes (Romeo+Juliet), who is also a target of several nefarious characters. Such characters include Septimus (Mark Strong, Kingsman: The Secret Service), Ditchwater Sal (Melanie Hill, From Hell), and Lamia (a radiant-in-her-own-right Michelle Pfeiffer, The Fabulous Baker Boys). All of these villains seek immortality; Tristan merely follows his heart. 

The rest of the supporting cast is just as star-studded. Robert De Niro (The Godfather Part II), still employing his tough Bronx accent amongst an entire cast using British enunciation, plays Captain Shakespeare, a tough pirate with a soft side he’s almost ashamed of. Ricky Gervais (Extras) adds comic timing to his portrayal of Ferdy the Fence, while Ben Barnes (The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian) portrays a younger version of Tristan’s father with just as much grit as his future son. 

The pacing, for the most part, is steady, the direction by Matthew Vaughn (Kick-Ass) is solid, while the script by Jane Goldman (The Woman in Black) conveys enough action and momentum a fantasy adventure like this requires. 

I definitely recommend this film as a once-off, but I’ll most likely watch it again after I read the source material.