Wrath of the Titans - 1 1/2 smiles

“Wrath of the Titans” has a better storyline than its predecessor, Clash of the Titans, but that’s not really saying much and don't expect anything close to the mythology you studied in school. Although there’s no character development, there are a lot of explosions and special effects and director Jonathan Liebesman keeps the action hot and heavy. So you’re pretty involved as long as you’re watching it. Once you leave the theater, you realize the whole thing is pretty shallow. “Wrath” takes place several years after Clash of the Titans and Perseus (Sam Worthington) is living as a fisherman and raising his son, Helius (John Bell). But things are about to change when Zeus (Liam Neeson) asks for Perseus’ help. Apparently, humanity no longer worships the gods as much and the pantheon is in danger of losing its immortality. Plus Ares (Edgar Ramirez), who hates his father, Zeus, has joined Hades (Ralph Fiennes) to free the leader of the titans, Cronos. Of course, the fate of the world hangs in the balance.

Along with the return of the impressive cast from the first movie, there’s Rosamund Pike, who plays spirited warrior queen Andromeda and Bill Nighy joins the cast as Hephaestus, a fallen god who created the gods’ weapons. He brings much-needed comic relief. As for our hero, Sam Worthington seems to be the action flavor of the month. However, his Perseus broods a little too much and for much of the movie, he gets punched, beaten and pummeled. Lucky for him he’s half god otherwise he’d not survive. Skip the 3D and wait for “Wrath of the Titans” on cable. 3/31/12