I’ve got to say that the plot of this film isn’t overly complicated. Then again neither are the characters. This is of course one of the most beloved children’s characters in the wolrld. You really shouldn’t expect too much. That said, I really enjoyed the story of Astérix.
Basically, the story unfolds like this: Cleopatra and her bewildered consort Anthony decide to construct a new palace. They enlist in this endeavor the talents of a young, inexperienced architect Numérobis. Cleopatra feels a new young style is needed for this grand temple. This of course enrages the evil court architect, and he vows to sabatoge the project. Still, it sound’s pretty good for Numérobis, right? It would be except that Cleopatra has given him only 3 months to complete the palace, or she will feed him to the crocodiles!!! In desperation Numérobis recalls the great Gaule heros that befriended his father, and he seeks out their help. Of course the heo turn out to be Astérix, Obélix, Panoramix, and their fiesty dog Ibixix. Together they travel back to Egypt and by working together, fighting off the bad guys, and having a few laughs, they manage to save the day and build a fabulous palace saving Numérbis from the crocodiles. A simple kids story with some great laughs.
This story plays out pretty much exactly as you’d expect it to. It has some very funny moments and even though I know that I missed some of the jokes due to my level of French comprehension, I don’t in any way feel that I missed out. Most of the jokes played very explicitly through body language, and the characterizations were dead on. Really most everything came through. This film works exactly as it should.
4/5
-Look-
At first I must admit I was a little thrown off at seeing Astéix, and Obélix. I mean they’re just so incredibly cartoony. Seeing those silly outfits costumes and wigs really threw me off for a while. But once I accepted the way the characters looked I really got into it. Of course the characters look silly, it’s a kid’s movie. It’s also based on a comic book. In fact they were very true to the story. Obélix wore a barrel, Astérix had his trademark winged cap. The look fit very well.
What worried me was how the rest of the film would come off. French films aren’t fameous for effects or large budgets, and in my opinion this film really called for at least a reasonable level of special effects. And surprise, surprise, they seemed to do it. They had some wonderful effects, but still maintained an easygoing kid film feel. Everything was a bit too exaggerated, and it worked very well.
3.5/5
-Acting/Direction-
There isn’t much to be said about the acting and direction of this film. It was solid all around. A really funny cast. They made me laugh even when I didn’t understand the dialogue. That’s really a good sign in my books. The film felt consistant all the way through. The direction was definitely good, even if it was fairly straightforward. The film was Funny, lighthearted, and distinctly French. I was especially impressed with the performance of Numérobis. He was quirky, rediculous, and weird; exactly what the role needed. I quite enjoyed the performances and eagerly anticipate the sequel.
4/5
-Overall-
I really enjoyed this film. It did what it set out to do.
