Star Dust

Based on a popular novel by Neil Gaiman, ”Stardust” is for the most part a lighthearted, entertaining adventure that works best when it doesn’t take itself too seriously. Directed with real flair and opulently packaged, the film stays relatively true to the novel while gently tweaking the fantasy genre. Its cast and plot clearly aim ”Stardust” at older viewers rather than youngsters.

The best change from the novel is the expanded role of Larnia, a truly devious villainess played with unbridled enthusiasm by Pfeiffer. This is the third and best of her recent comeback roles, one marked by a nastiness and vanity she’s never shown before. Pfeiffer is good enough to divert attention from Danes, looking a bit too stolid and acting more petulant than divine. Cox makes a strong showing as a naive youth who must mature into a hero.

But ”Stardust” is a little of a throwback to how fantasy movies used to be before the emergence of the multi-part epic serials. It’s a lighter, simpler sort of tale. Despite just cracking the two-hour barrier, the film is paced and edited in such a way that the story always seems to be moving forward and there is no sense of drag or a letdown. ”Stardust” nevertheless honors the illustrations that inspired its appearance. It’s a kinder and gentler achievement but, in the midst of over budgeted, over-hyped sequels, it’s a fresh and welcome entertainment.