ASTERIX AND THE VIKINGS

"Do you want some boar?"

When Justforkix (Astin) is sent by his uncle to learn to become a warrior, it is Asterix (Giamatti) and Obelix (Garrett) who get the job of training him. While they might be the most feared warrior in the whole of Gaul, well to the Romans at least, Asterix and Obelix just can't get Justforkix to take the training seriously. Things get worst when the Vikings invade and take the young upstart captive, leaving Asterix and Obelix to rescue him.

Everyone's favourite Gaul's return to the silver screen for another animated adventure and this is one that won't leave you too cold.

Asterix and Obelix return to animation after starring in life action adventures over the past few years. This time they head north to the land of the Vikings to save the chief's nephew after he is kidnapped. Based on the comic series by Albert Uderzo and René Goscinny, the duo's adventures have a legion of adoring fans and their latest adventure is fun and has a few modern twists that some fans might find slightly annoying.

The story starts as the chief's nephew, Justforkix is sent by his father to learn how to become a warrior. He is modern, streetwise but extremely naïve when it comes fighting and in fact, he is scared of everything. Things are not going well for the Vikings as well. Due to their reputation as brutal warriors, all the inhabitants of the village they invade have fled. The Viking chief, Timandahaf believes that they have flown away because of the belief that fear gives you wings. He needs to find a 'Champion of Fear' that will show him and his men how to fly and make them the best and most feared warriors the world has ever seen. That 'Champion of Fear' just happens to be Justforkix and it is up to Asterix and Obelix to protect him.

The story sticks to the outline of the original comic book but it also adds some modern touches that are a little annoying. Wanting to appeal to kids is all well and good but you should really take liberties with an established story and fan base. Here we have Justforkix's pet pigeon that acts like a mobile/cell phone and is called SMS. The Viking chief's daughter is called Abba and his wife is called Vikea (Ikea). Little things like this are simply there to appeal to the non-Asterix fan audience and will just annoy people who love the original books.

The English language version has gathered together a wealth of talented actors to give their voices to the famous characters. Paul Giamatti plays Asterix with great gusto. Brad Garrett has fun as the super strong Obelix. Sean Astin gives a great vocal performance as youngster Justforkix and Evan Rachel Wood sounds like she really enjoyed playing the rebellious Viking Abba.

'Asterix and the Vikings' is a fun family film that will appeal to fans and newcomers alike. The animation is very good and the storyline is just as good as every, even with the silly modern touches that have been put in. Asterix, Obelix and the rest of the Gaul's are firm favourites and this movie won't change that.

PICTURE & SOUND

Presented in Widescreen 1.85:1 Anamorphic with a Dolby Digital 5.1 soundtrack, the transfer is very good, as you would expect from an animation.

BONUS FEATURES

None

OVERALL

The lack of any DVD bonus features will really disappoint fans of Asterix and Obelix.

DVD

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2007