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This live-action version of the comic book we probably
all read as kids was amusing enough, if not a little too slapstick in
places. Yes, yes, it's all very Fat-and-Skinny-went-to-war, but to be
honest the only time I've ever found this overused setup exceptionally
funny was back in the days of Chris Farley and David Spade. And look
what happened there.
Obelix is the Farley of the film, a huge lumbering oaf that eats more boars for dinner than Paris Hilton
has lovers before breakfast (in case you were wondering......five) and
is useful for jokes where you actually need a big dumb fat guy.
Otherwise he just kinda trundles about alongside Asterix as his
trusting sidekick. Though, it must be noted, that the voice of the
English dubbing for Depardieu's character is actually funnier than the
jokes written for him.
Oh, Roberto Benigni (Detritus), have you sunk so low? You were in La Vita e Bella,
for pete's sake! Now you're being touted as "that nutty Italian actor".
Comedy is one thing. Gibbering around like a stereotypical clown is
another. Sad.
It was amusing enough, I suppose. It was
pun-tastic beyond all logic, something I found quite educating if
nothing else. And the pop culture references are often out of place,
but no more so than they are in Scary Movie or something equally parodying.
It's
the sort of thing I would normally have on in the background while I
was doing homework, nothing too distracting. Except maybe the line,
"Help! I'm being attacked by handbags!". It makes sense when you watch
it, I suppose.
Watch for some devious torture methods too
(viking warriors, what nutty folk!) including, but not limited to, a
tub the size of an average backyard pool full of tarantulas. I
screamed. I'm not ashamed to admit it.
It's certain to appeal to
some demographics of people (probably the younger generation), though
it will be at least charmingly nostalgic for those of us who grew up
with the comic misadventures of Asterix.
I prefer Tin Tin anyway.
EXTRAS
Not much in way of extras, just the original theatrical trailer which is actually pretty impressive.
By no means a work of art, but there is most certainly an audience out there for it.
Conclusion:
Movie 60% Extras: 30%
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