(CNN) -- Not just your basic, average everyday, ordinary, run-of-the-mill, ho-hum fairy tale, "Stardust" is a dazzler very nearly from first to last, a live action film that rivals the best recent animated features for imagination and wit. Claire Danes and Charlie Cox star in the imaginative "Stardust." Indeed, at a pinch you might describe it as "Shrek" for grown-ups --- though I've a suspicion the great Japanese filmmaker Hiyao Miyazaki ("Spirited Away") may have been a more important inspiration. The movie combines many of the archetypes of a classic bedtime story. First, there's Tristran (Charlie Cox), an intrepid young hero from the wrong side of the tracks (or so he thinks), embarking on a romantic quest to bring back a fallen star as a token of his love for beautiful, aloof Victoria (Sienna Miller).
@highlight
"Stardust" a terrific adventure
@highlight
The witty, imaginative fairy tale stars Claire Danes and Charlie Cox
@highlight
Cast features Michelle Pfeiffer, Robert De Niro and Ian McKellan
@highlight
Film based on novel by Neil Gaiman
As usual, @placeholder radiates intelligence, but struggles with the naiveté required to offset her character's crankiness.