With fantastic reviews averaging a 4.5 out of 5 I really had my hopes set on this film meeting the acclaimed standards….and it didn’t disappoint. With a great star cast not only is the storyline intriguing throughout but the acting makes it believable. The plot unravels around a young boy of 18, Tristan (Charlie Cox) and his quest to prove unconditional love for Victoria (Sienna Miller) the beauty of his hometown ‘Wall’. Wall is so named as its perimeter is outlined with a high wall, guarded at the only possible point of exit by an old man who claims the wall separates human life with the magical realm of Stormhold. Thus Tristan’s journey unfolds when the star he promises to retrieve for his love’s hand in marriage, falls beyond the wall. With the help of Tristan’s own undiscovered heritage and his naturally charming and innocent ways he manages to fight the mystical world for what he desires. His travels are filled with copious amounts of tears and death, and yet he also finds true love, friendship and belonging in this mysterious world.

The cameo by Gervais is the only real disappointing part of this film. Too much focus is made of his 3 minute involvement, however his character does offer some laughs and like the character played by Rupert Everett we see a different element to their usual performances. Instead of focusing his jokes around others misfortune, Gervais pokes fun at himself. Likewise, Everett whom we associate with strong male characters such as Prince Charming in Shrek, begins as we’d expect only to die 5 seconds later.

With several sub-plots running at the same time throughout this tale, it can at times be difficult to keep up with the stories until they merge together. However, clever use of spirits and ghosts keep the viewer fully informed at all times between the action. I thoroughly enjoyed this film as it offered more than just a typical love story, although it could be deemed quite predictable, the way the film is played out keeps the viewer on the edge of their seats. With a race to find the star, a battle between good and evil and true love overcoming all this film ticks all the right boxes, and offers something exciting for everybody.

The film does have moments of rather graphic death, in particular the use of a voodoo doll, yet the re-emergence of each dying character into a ghoul makes it all seem rather light-hearted. A film with excellent camera shots and captivating characters, Stardust offers all round first-class entertainment for all ages. A definite must see and an advisable stocking filler too!

By Lisa Etherington