 Fantastic special effects by Ray Harryhausen and exciting mythological adventure make this a film that is fun for everyone. It's the story of Jason (Todd Armstrong), a fearless sailor and explorer, who returns to the Kingdom Of Thessaly after a 20-year voyage to make his rightful claim to the throne. But to do so, Jason must first find the magical Golden Fleece. He selects a crew and with the help of Hera, Queen of the Gods, sets sail in search of the Fleece. Jason and his crew must overcome incredible obstacles including a 100-foot bronze giant, the venomous Hydra - a huge creature with the heads of seven snakes - and a spectacular battle with an army of skeletons. Storyline: Jason has been prophesied to take the throne of Thessaly. When he saves Pelias from drowning, but does not recognize him as the man who had earlier killed his father, Pelias tells Jason to travel to Colchis to find the Golden Fleece. Jason follows his advice and assembles a sailing crew of the finest men in Greece, including Hercules. They are under the protection of Hera, queen of the gods. Their voyage is replete with battles against harpies, a giant bronze Talos, a hydra, and an animated skeleton army, all brought to life by the special effects wizardry of Ray Harryhausen. Written by Rick Gregory Trivia:
Cast Notes: Todd Armstrong (Jason), Nancy Kovack (Medea), Gary Raymond [I] (Acastus), Laurence Naismith (Argos), Niall MacGinnis (Zeus), Michael Gwynn (Hermes), Douglas Wilmer (Pelias), Jack Gwillim (King Aeetes), Honor Blackman (Hera), John Cairney (Hylas), Patrick Troughton (Phineas), Andrew Faulds (Phalerus), Nigel Green [I] (Hercules). User Comment: Jeff (Inthegoodlife@Aol.com) from Jacksonville, FL, 16 December 2002 • I usually write a review without reading other people's comments as I don't like it influencing what I have to say but in this case I read a few reviews of those who had seen Jason and the Argonauts and I was pretty stunned at the negative reviews. Like many, this was one of my favorite childhood movies. I loved the effects, the story of a hero setting out on a quest and the rest of the pomp and circumstance. The acting in Jason and the Argonauts is wooden, the story of King Pelias comes to no conclusion and we only get Hercules for a brief time but the movie is fun to watch, great to listen to and features effects that seen solid and get your respect, in spite of not being "up to today's standards." Personally, I feel that most of the digital effects today make it look like I'm watching a movie inside a movie instead of something that's supposed to be real. Jason and the Argonauts is old school black and white, with women being somewhat subordinate. Many programmed young people of today will be angry that this movie is an old tale of the hero slaying the dragon and getting the girl (and a fleece) but there it is and it's not a big deal. The movie takes liberties with greek mythology and some people hate that too but in that way it's no different then ninety percent of the movies in Hollywood. I feel bad that I feel I have to defend this movie against those that have missed the idea but I will. It's an adventure from a time when entertainment was more important then preaching a message, the characters aren't as bad as people say and Harryhausen's effects are still better then the fake digital junk out today, no matter how seamless the digital effects are. And Honor Blackmon rocks. Summary: Come on people, this is fun. User Comment: jcholguin (jcholguin@lycos.com) from los angeles, 25 February 2003 • Back in 1963 I was only 7 at the time, but I can still remember going to the Tower Theater in Downtown Los Angeles and being totally awed with the effects created by Ray Harryhausen. In today's world it may seem below standard compared to computer effects, but for those of us growing up in that time period, the Harryhausen style of special effects will continue to bring back warm memories of those years. With computer graphics, you see it and like it the first time you see it, but then many movies of today have the same and it becomes moot. Jason and the Argonaunts was one of those few movies at the time along with the Sinbad saga that lives on in your heart. The pace of the film is perfectly put together along with the many creatures, 7-headed hydra, huge fish-man, huge metal man and skeletons fighting is what makes it a classic which lives on in the hearts of those growing up in the sixties. Summary: A Special Effects Master of its Time. IMDb Rating (02/11/17): 7.4/10 from 17,970 users
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