When I was a kid, my friends and I worshipped the Asterix comic
book series that featured two very likeable protagonists,
Asterix (Edouard Baer) and his large side-kick Obelix (Gerard
Depardieu). Although these characters are enjoyed by people from
across the world, the French hold a special place in their heart
for these characters and as a result, four live action movies
have been filmed.
This current instalment once again sees Asterix and Obelix caught in a heroic story as they visit
ancient Britain (aka Briton) in order to help liberate a village
from the Romans. However in order to get to the root of the
problem, Asterix and Obelix need to go undercover and take with
them one of their magic potion barrels. But when the Romans
learn that the Asterix's magic potion is on Briton, they up
their efforts to not only find the two protagonists but also the
magic to steal for themselves. From here a rollercoaster adventure begins for Asterix
and his friends that is not only filled with laughs but actually
works in some strange twisted way.
The story is also based on
the original children's comic Asterix in Britain by Rene
Goscinny and Albert Uderzo with the film creators paying some
great homage to the original idea. The highlight of the film is
of course Gerard Depardieu as Obelix who plays the character
perfectly as is Fabrice Luchini as the nefarious and power
hungry Julius Caesar.
With some wonderful sets, great costumes, Asterix & Obelix in Britain is like seeing the comic book come
to life and although at times, it is a little childish and some
of the translations from French don't follow through that well,
it will definitely be enjoyed by fans of the series, especially
children.
Definitely fun!