Why this title? Simple. A friend of mine invited me to a premiere of this movie, last Monday. We do not consider ourselves as cinemaniacs, but we both know a lot about what has been done these last 40 years. And I'm forced to say that "Asterix and Obelix, the movie" is pulling the global level downwards.
It's always a challenge to adapt a successful comic for the big screen. Many tried and failed (see Lucky Luke, Spawn, etc... only to name the most recent). My opinion is that this movie could have reached its target if Christian Clavier hadn't been involved.
First of all : Asterix, played by Clavier, is far from being funny, intelligent and mischievous like in the comics. The character we see is mainly over-excited, he is as dumb as his nice-but-not-too-bright friend Obelix. And you just can't stand this voice when you've heard Pierre Tornade's interpretation in the cartoon versions....
Next comes Obelix, interpreted by Depardieu. It's curious when you say it, but the character is far too clever. And like Asterix, they talk a lot and don't laugh enough.
Caesar... well, the usual bad guy.
FInally let's turn to the story. It has some interest, but not many efforts have been made to involve the audience. It looks like a shapeless compendium of 2 or 3 comic books,with a strange beginning and a weak end. In between : the vast silence of lack of imagination. Many interesting things could have rose from it all, but everything drowns under the flood of pitiful puns and wordplays... Where are the beautiful views of roman cities, all Goscinny's irony about military states and administrative zeal ???
Oh, I almost forgot the sexy girl, Laetitia Casta... believe me, she was born to be photographed but definitely NOT to act !!! I'm sure all you english-speaking viewers will hear a nice voice after the sound dubbing : remember the French had to deal with the sleepy, boring and un-talented Laetitia. God, forgive her because she doesn't understand what she says...
One phrase to say it all : better buy the comic books collection. This way you'll be sure to have a lot of fun. Or have a look at the films (especially with the Brittons... :))
It's always a challenge to adapt a successful comic for the big screen. Many tried and failed (see Lucky Luke, Spawn, etc... only to name the most recent). My opinion is that this movie could have reached its target if Christian Clavier hadn't been involved.
First of all : Asterix, played by Clavier, is far from being funny, intelligent and mischievous like in the comics. The character we see is mainly over-excited, he is as dumb as his nice-but-not-too-bright friend Obelix. And you just can't stand this voice when you've heard Pierre Tornade's interpretation in the cartoon versions....
Next comes Obelix, interpreted by Depardieu. It's curious when you say it, but the character is far too clever. And like Asterix, they talk a lot and don't laugh enough.
Caesar... well, the usual bad guy.
FInally let's turn to the story. It has some interest, but not many efforts have been made to involve the audience. It looks like a shapeless compendium of 2 or 3 comic books,with a strange beginning and a weak end. In between : the vast silence of lack of imagination. Many interesting things could have rose from it all, but everything drowns under the flood of pitiful puns and wordplays... Where are the beautiful views of roman cities, all Goscinny's irony about military states and administrative zeal ???
Oh, I almost forgot the sexy girl, Laetitia Casta... believe me, she was born to be photographed but definitely NOT to act !!! I'm sure all you english-speaking viewers will hear a nice voice after the sound dubbing : remember the French had to deal with the sleepy, boring and un-talented Laetitia. God, forgive her because she doesn't understand what she says...
One phrase to say it all : better buy the comic books collection. This way you'll be sure to have a lot of fun. Or have a look at the films (especially with the Brittons... :))