CLASH OF THE TITANS
Better get Kraken — a monster epic for discerning adults.
Should You Watch It?
Clash of the Titans delivers impressive monster effects and a strong tough-guy performance from Sam Worthington as Perseus. Fans of fantasy monster movies may find the 3D experience worthwhile. The film also offers an opportunity to contrast its pagan gods with the one true Creator God.
The tradeoff is substantial. The characters are largely lackluster, the story is thin, and the action becomes tedious toward the end. The film also contains much violence, scary images, and a worldview built on false Greek gods, with mankind yearning to revolt against them.
This is a film for discerning adults who can engage those concerns thoughtfully, not for children or young teens. If you want a rewarding epic on the level of The Lord of the Rings, you will probably be disappointed; otherwise, fantasy fans may find it worth the trip — adults only.
The Story
NO SPOILERS — WE KEEP THE SURPRISESPerseus, the son of Zeus and a mortal woman, was raised by a humble fisherman after being found at sea. When Zeus and Hades threaten the city of Argon, Perseus is enlisted to help.
The gods demand a terrible sacrifice. Perseus and a band of followers must undertake a dangerous journey into the underworld, facing monsters and supernatural forces while seeking a way to save the city and its princess.
Is It Any Good?
Three stars means a watchable film with real strengths but major limitations. The monster effects are impressive, and Sam Worthington gives a strong, tough-guy performance as Perseus. Those elements provide the film’s brightest moments.
But Clash of the Titans is very long on effects and very short on characters and story. Much exposition appears in the prologue to make room for monsters, while the action becomes tedious because there is little context for caring about the characters. The dialogue can be forced and corny, and the plot contains a significant story hole involving the timing and presentation of the Kraken’s release.
The Worldview
The film presents the false-god myths of Greece as its spiritual framework. Zeus and the other gods created people to worship them, yet they are fickle and bring both good and bad to humanity. Mankind consequently yearns to throw off the gods’ rule and revolt against them, with Perseus positioned as the savior destined to lead that revolt.
That humanist impulse gives the movie some moral energy, but it does not offer the biblical answer to humanity’s longing for freedom. Perseus opposes the gods, yet eventually makes peace with Zeus. The film’s pagan “gods” are also radically unlike the God of Scripture. Zeus says, “I wanted their worship but I didn’t want it to cost me a son,” while the Heavenly Father gave His Son as a sacrifice for the world.
The movie’s spiritual emptiness can create a useful conversation for Christian viewers. Its central contrast is between capricious gods demanding worship and the Creator God who gives Himself in love: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son” (John 3:16).
The Content Guide
The specifics — spoilers included by nature — so you can judge for your own family.
Content Summary
Very strong, mixed pagan worldview with strong humanist elements mixed with strong false religion and light moral elements; two mild obscenities and no profanities; much violence throughout, often scary, includes multiple stabbings, one beheading, getting arrows in the chest, and men fight scary monsters; no sexual content; no nudity; no drinking of alcohol; no smoking or drug use; and lying, deception, and pride.
Talk About It
Questions for the drive home, the dinner table, or the youth group.
The gods in the film demand worship from people. What is different about the way the true God relates to His people?
Exodus 20:2–3 · John 3:16Perseus leads a revolt against capricious gods. What does Scripture say about the freedom Christ gives, and how is it different from simply rejecting authority?
John 8:31–36 · Galatians 5:13Zeus says he wanted worship but did not want it to cost him a son. What does the sacrifice of Jesus show about God’s love?
Romans 5:8 · 1 John 4:9–10The film includes lying, deception, and pride. Why does Scripture treat these attitudes seriously, and what virtues oppose them?
Proverbs 6:16–19 · Philippians 2:3–4The Final Word
Clash of the Titans has impressive effects and a strong lead, but its thin story, graphic violence, scary images, and pagan worldview require care. Fantasy monster fans may find the 3D experience worthwhile, but this is not a family movie. Our answer is WORTH THE TRIP — ADULTS ONLY. For other choices, see.
