The Adventures of Baron Munchausen Movie Review

If you haven't seen a Terry Gilliam film yet, you're missing out. Even when the movie itself isn't all that great, you simply can't take your eyes from the screen. I remember seeing The Adventures of Baron Munchausen (1988) when I was young. Even as a kid I was captivated with the stunning visuals. Now that I'm more articulate than I was at six years of age, I'll tell you why this movie is so interesting.

In the 18th century midst of the Turkish Army attacking a European city, aged aristocrat Baron Munchausen (John Neville) interrupts a play that is allegedly based on his life. He continues to tell the "real" story of his extraordinary travels. Not only does the Baron claim to be the cause of the war with the Turks, but he also recounts tales of being swallowed by a giant sea-monster, taking a trip to the moon, dancing with the goddess Venus (Uma Thurman), and repeatedly escaping from the Grim Reaper. The Baron volunteers to put a stop to the Turkish assault but requires the assistance of his old friends from his adventures; Berthold (Eric Idle), the world's fastest man; Albrecht (Winston Dennis), the world's strongest man; Gustavus (Jack Purvis), the man with the best hearing in the world, and Adolphus (Charles McKeown), a rifleman with superhuman eyesight. After setting off to find them in a makeshift balloon, he discovers a nine-year-old stowaway named Sally (Sarah Polley) who was captivated by the Baron's tales. Not having enough time to return her to the city, the two set out to find help to protect the European city's people.

There really was a Baron Munchausen. He lived from 1720 to 1797 and fought for the Russians against the Turks. He is said to have had the habit of embellishing his war stories. In 1785, there was a book published in England which claimed to be based on the Baron's life and times. The book was chockfull of outlandishly ridiculous, but amusing tall tales. The fictionalized Munchausen became a literary tall tale hero whose adventures never ceased to entertain.

The Adventures of Baron Munchausen is a tribute to the spirit of the Baron. The movie features some highly fanciful and whimsical tales that would seem extraordinary even by fairy tale standards. It's not enough that Berthold is the fastest man in the world, he must run from Turkey to Spain and back in an hour, to fetch a bottle of wine and save the Baron's neck. He must also be able to outrun a speeding bullet, stop it, and redirect it back toward the man who fired it.

That brings us to the special effects. The production cost was around $46 million which caused it to be one of the most expensive films ever made before the advent of digital special effects. The effects in Baron Munchausen were all practical effects; the sets, props, and whimsical visuals were all done from scratch, with no computer enhancement at all. That makes the often breathtaking visuals all the more fascinating to watch. Terry Gilliam films are always a visual spectacle to behold; every scene is cram-packed with mesmerizing details. He worked on the Monty Python crew as a director and some of the wacky humor makes its way into his films. Even if you don't like Baron Munchausen, you'd be hard pressed not to be taken in by its visual splendor.

The acting is fantastic. John Neville plays the Baron magnificently, portraying a man who keeps his composure in the midst of insanely outlandish occurrences and seems sensible and matter-of-fact, as anyone would if they had spent a lifetime growing accustomed to the impossible. Eric Idle is a daffy comic relief reminiscent of his Monty Python days. And for a child actor Sarah Polley was great. She embodies this childlike wonder while also becoming exasperated by the ridiculousness of the situations she finds herself in with the Baron.

The Adventures of Baron Munchausen is a fun movie. The movie starts off slowly, and sometimes fails in terms of clarity. When you have a movie full of extravagant fantasies it's important to explain the story clearly and directly so to movie doesn't fall apart in its own excitement. Baron Munchausen comes close to doing that on occasion. The visual effects are incredible; the movie is worth seeing just for the eye candy it presents. While the movie is PG rated, there is a brief scene of nudity when we first meet Venus when she emerges from a giant sea shell similar to Botticelli's Birth of Venus painting. While I don't think it's visually explicit, it's may be a red flag for parents with young children. I highly recommend seeing Baron Munchausen, even if you don't like the movie itself, I can't imagine you wouldn't like seeing all the incredible special effects. It's worth renting, but I intend to get it on Blu-Ray.

Check out the trailer and take a look at the zany humor and special effects:
 

Do you have a favorite tall tale movie? One that is completely over the top and fanciful? Comment below and tell all about it!

Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief Movie Review

Harry Potter made some significant contributions to young adult and children’s literature, as well as produced some fantastic movies. Each one has high percentile ratings on RottenTomatoes.com. Naturally, someone is going to try to capitalize on the success of these books and movies. Rick Riordan wrote a five-book series entitled Percy Jackson and the Olympians which has many similarities to the Harry Potter books. When a film version of Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief  (2010) was made, Chris Columbus, the same director who did the first two Harry Potter movies, was used. It does seem like a Harry Potter knockoff, but it has a strong supporting cast and has lots of fun with Greek Mythology.

When his lightning bolt is stolen, Zeus (Sean Bean) accuses Percy Jackson (Logan Lerman), the son of Poseidon (Kevin McKidd), of stealing it. If the lightning bolt is not returned in fourteen days, Zeus will initiate war among the gods which will devastate the world. Meanwhile, teenage Percy visits The Museum of Metropolitan of Art with his school. There he is attacked by a Fury disguised as a teacher. After this, his best friend Grover (Brandon T. Jackson) reveals that Percy is a demigod, that Grover is his Satyr protector, and his teacher Mr. Brunner (Pierce Brosnan) is a centaur. Brunner gives Percy a pen that transforms into a powerful sword with which to protect himself. Grover and Percy go to Percy’s house to collect his mother, Sally (Catherine Keener), and set off for Camp Half-Blood to be safe from other monsters. However they are attacked by a minotaur who causes Sally to vanish before Percy can help her. In the camp, Percy befriends Annabeth (Alexandrea Daddario), warrior daughter of Athena.  Hades (Steve Coogan) appears in camp, demanding that Percy give him the lightning bolt in exchange for his mother whom Hades has in the Underworld. Percy, Annabeth and Grover set out on a dangerous quest to find the lightning bolt, make peace with the gods, and save Percy’s mother.

There are so many similarities between Percy Jackson and Harry Potter; a boy discovering he is more than just another ordinary person, a clumsy but lovable sidekick friend, a competent female companion, a place for them all to gather and be themselves, a secret world that normal people don’t see, and magical mayhem around every corner. It even mimics the title structure: “Main Character and the Plot Device.” Never the less, Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief has a few things to offer that Harry Potter didn’t; a United States setting, Greek gods and demigods with incredible powers, and Greek mythological monsters appearing in highly creative but familiar places, rather than in a far removed castle. Even young viewers will probably recognize the obvious parallels between Percy Jackson and Harry Potter. It’s difficult to disassociate the two. But Percy Jackson is still unique enough in its own right to be a decent movie.

Kids and teens can relate to the titular character; he’s awkward, has ADHD and dyslexia, lives with his mother who in turn lives with an abusive man. But all these things are indicators of something greater within Percy. As a demigod, he’s brain is hardwired for Greek. It’s difficult for him to read English. He has natural fast thinking and combat skills. Modern diagnosis for these conditions are ADHD and dyslexia. It’s a great premise for Percy’s character to have normal problems which are actually indicators of his own abilities and strength. It’s fantastic seeing Percy understand more of himself and grow in confidence and ability as he goes. What kid who has been diagnosed with such conditions hasn’t dreamed of having these labels turned around into strengths?

The cast for this movie was excellent. Even the static characters are believable. Greek mythological characters were defined by their attributes, not personality. Hurling lightning bolts is what Zeus does, so when his lightning bolt is stolen, where does that leave him? Zeus was a simple, non-developing character but was still good in the context of the movie.

Props must be given to Uma Thurman as Medusa; she really looked the part and was a great villain to overcome. They encounter her in a shop that sells lawn statues (Medusa’s victims). Not having mirrors to approach her with, Percy uses the reflective surface on his iPhone to see to combat her. This is just one creative way that Greek myths collide with the modern world in this movie.

The soundtrack was creatively implemented in Percy Jackson. Percy, Annabeth and Grover set out on the highway to find Hades and the entrance to the Underworld (located in Hollywood, of course). As they set off, we hear “Highway to Hell” by AC/DC. The threesome make a stop in Las Vegas at The Lotus Casino which is owned by the Lotus-Eaters of Greek myth who eat narcotic lotus flowers. When served these flowers, Percy and friends are lulled into peaceful apathy and become trapped at the casino. As the narcotics take effect, we hear “Poker Face” by Lady Gaga. It’s a bit silly, but still fun.

I loved seeing Greek myth and the modern world collide in this fun family movie. Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief  is a better alternative to Clash of the Titans (2010) in terms of  setting, plot, and characters. The only thing I could see that may be off-putting to some viewers is seeing some non-descript fiery figures being tormented in the Underworld, the Grecian version of hell. All in all, it’s a clean movie, fast paced, exciting, and silly. The setting isn’t quite as well developed as it was in the book, but the movie still stands on its own well enough. It’s worth renting for a “light viewing” movie night, but I’m certain kids between 8 and 13 will enjoy it enough to want their own copy.


Do you think that it’s fair to compare Percy Jackson and Harry Potter? They are similar, but still fun for their own reasons. Do you think Percy Jackson is just another Harry Potter knockoff? Comment below and tell me why!