The vault is officially enamored with Valentine’s Day! Before you even ask, I am NOT referring to that excruciating 2010 slap-crappy rom-com featuring many actors who should’ve known better. The impending holiday has passions running high, the perfect time to kick off my latest series, A Fistful of Romances! The next five reviews will feature romance across the genres starting, obviously, with the fantasy romance.

Tristan Thorn (Charlie Cox), a shop boy, is head over heels for Victoria (Sienna Miller), but she has eyes for another. While trying to woo her, they see a falling star and Tristan pledges to return with the celestial stone in one week before her other suitor, Humphrey (Henry Cavill), returns with a ring. To reach the star, Tristan must cross into Stormhold, a magical land separated from the real world by a guarded wall outside his small village.

The star fell from the sky because she was struck by the ruby of the King (Peter O’Toole) whose sons now scour Stormhold to retrieve the ruby and claim the throne. Three witches seek the star to restore their power, beauty, and immortality. Using the last of the star energy they own, Lamia (Michelle Pfeiffer) rejuvenates herself and sets out to cut the heart from the fallen star. Imagine Tristan’s surprise when he discovers the star for which he searches isn’t a lump of space rock, but the lovely Yvaine (Claire Danes).

Stardust is the first film penned by writer Jane Goldman and writer-director Matthew Vaughn. Vaughn’s sophomore effort as a director, it is an adaptation of Neil Gaiman’s novel (which I’ve never read). Goldman and Vaughn’s script turns what ‘ve heard is a starkly sexual and violent fairy tale into a humorous and cheeky adventure about a young man on a quest for love. It’s also easily the best sci-fi/fantasy film released in 2007, though it seems like hardly anyone bothered to see it.

Maybe it’s because the main character Tristan is played by the then (and now) mostly unknown Charlie Cox.  Still, Stardust features a slew of recognizable names. Ian McKellen narrates. Claire Danes is quite obstinate as Yvaine, but manages to shine even without the use of special effects. Mark Strong, adept at despicable characters, aptly portrays the King’s youngest and vilest, Septimus. Robert De Niro is delightful in the role of Captain Shakespeare whose reputation as the most ruthless marauder of the skies disguises how big a whoopsie he is. Ricky Gervais has a bit of a laugh as Ferdy the Fence. Of them all, Michelle Pfeiffer owns the screen as tough old bird Lamia. The degradation of her physical appearance is scary, but her maleficent portrayal is one that makes children wet the bed.

Together, Vaughn and these actors craft an engrossing adventure. Stardust is a behemoth of storytelling that moves steadily forward. It relies on silliness and randy humor to keep it light. There’s great chemistry between Tristan and Yvaine. The disparate goals of our hero and the villains create enough harrowing situations to keep you on the edge of your seat. Stardust is a solid, satisfying fantasy that will leave you with the warm fuzzies.

♥♥♥♥