Asterix: The Secret of the Magic Potion – Review
The adventures of Goscinny and Uderzo’s Asterix the Gaul and his larger than life friend Obelix have been staples in the diet of any comic since they were first introduced in 1959. With 38 annuals released, the adventures of the little warrior show no signs of stopping. A few years ago Uderzo, stepped back from the role to let in a new team of Ferri writing and Conrad illustrating.
Naturally Asterix is also popular on screen, with ten adaptations of the books translated to animation as well as a handful of live action films. Asterix: The Secret of the Magic Potion is the second CG Asterix film to be released after Mansions of the Gods, but unlike its predecessor it is not based directly on the books, giving the directors and artists a little more free reign over the universe. Directors Alexandre Astier and Louis Clichy have taken the source material and created a brand new story honouring the comics so will strike a familiar chord with fans of Asterix.
When the druid Getafix falls from a tree, he fears his time as druid is up and so Asterix and Obelix have to take the druid on a quest to find a successor for the village who can learn to brew the fabled elixir that only Getafix knows the recipe for. Evil druid Demonix (the Asterix comics are not know for their subtly when it comes to coming up with hilarious ancient names) hears the call for an apprentice and does everything in his power to stop his old foe Getafix. Throw in petrified pirates, pulverised platoons of romans, puns and punch ups and you’ve got yourself an Asterix film that hits all the right notes.
Translating the energy of a classic comic series is no easy task, but it is one that the team have risen to yet again. Of course there is no match, even in animation, for the penmanship of Uderzo or Conrad, but the CG versions of our characters have a depth and charm that brings the Gaulish village to life. The modelling and lighting is superb and the rigs are set up in a way in which the knockabout slapstick and exaggeration of the comics can be delivered with ease. There is a stand out 2D flashback scene, rendered in pencil which has all the hallmarks of Louis Clichy’s film L’amore. The whole film is packed full of wonderful visual gags that raise more than a smile, a druid party, a cheeky christ like encounter and the Gaulish village flying to the rescue on a squadron of chickens are just some of the chucklesome surprises in this film.
The story has appeal too, pepped up from the start with a bit of “You Spin me Round” by Dead or Alive (I was not expecting that) seeing the village working away in time to the beat sets the tone for the film. Though aimed at families great care has been put into setting up the visuals. Demonix has a set of antlers for a head dress, and his silhouette cuts a menacing figure which is utilised in the film for both dramatic and comedic effect. Speaking of comedic effect, the film is also loaded with french farce and knockabout humour that translate really well even if the lip sync is sometimes off. The voice cast is different to its predecessor so children may be confused by the cast change if they are that astute. The American accents don’t seem a fair trade for the likes of Nick Frost, Matt Berry and Greg Davies but they’re perfectly serviceable.
Our main characters perhaps go a little under served. This is an Asterix adventure after all, and he spends the majority of the film playing blending into the background, though Obelix does find himself in the thick of the action by the films larger than life finale. The pay off for our heroes absence is more Getafix and Pectine, a Gaulish girl with an eye for invention who stows away with our heroes on their quest and gives the youngsters in the audience someone to cheer on.
Packed with action, invention and plenty of laughs this latest film is just as much fun as previous Gaulish animated adventures and is certainly worth the watch for Asterix fans. Asterix: The Secret of the Magic Potion is available to watch on DVD and digital platforms now.