Astérix et Obélix contre César (1999)
Directed by Claude Zidi

Film Review

Having entertained generations of adults and children, Astérix and Obélix have certainly taken their time getting to the big screen in the flesh (as it were), and it is not hard to see why.  The super-human strength of the pint-sized Astérix and his rotund pal Obélix would be difficult to convey in a live-action movie without the kind of special effects technology which has become available in recent years.  Advances in computer-generated effects now mean that virtually any effect can be achieved on screen, enabling the once unfilmable to become film.  Unfortunately, this is not always a good thing.

Claude Zidi's film is in many respects a worthy film adaptation of the world-famous Goscinny-Uderzo strip cartoons, but it falls far short of the genius of the original strip cartoon series.  Visually, the film is quite impressive, fast, furious, full of wit and energy.  Some of the special effects are astounding - particularly the scenes where Astérix and his chums decimate the battalions of Roman soldiers (easily the funniest scenes in the film).

Christian Clavier and Gérard Depardieu are surprising choices for the film's lead characters, but the casting works surprisingly well, even if Clavier (previously best known as Jean Reno's unwashed side-kick in Les Visiteurs (1993)) is a bit too tall and a bit too smug to be totally convincing in the role of Astérix. Obélix's dim-wittedness is a little trying towards the end of the film, but Depardieu's intensely physical performance, with dumb, rolling eyes, is a pleasure to watch.

Where the film falls down most noticeably is in its clumsy plotting.  Rather than having a strong central narrative, what the film attempts is a series of half-thought-out ideas which, whilst momentarily amusing, are never fully satisfying.  There really is just too much material in the film and it is often a struggle to keep up with it.  This is not helped by the film's over-reliance on special effects, which often breaks the spell of realism which is necessary to sustain interest, particularly in an adult audience.  With a much tighter, less rambling storyline and effects used only where necessary, this could have been an amazing film.  Unfortunately, in its attempt to impress us with all its digital wizardry, it falls way short of its intended mark.

It is also not clear who the target audience would be for this film.  The comic-book over-acting and excess of colour would suggest a family audience, principally targeted at young children.  However, some strong language and bawdy comedy ought to put the film safely in the over 12 classification.   This is the most unpardonable instance where Claude Zidi has departed from the winning Goscinny-Uderzo formula at his peril. The film's success at the box office (it attracted almost nine million spectators in France) resulted in an even more popular sequel - Astérix et Obélix Mission Cléopâtre (2002) - and more Gaul-themed humour was to follow with Astérix aux jeux olympiques (2008) and Astérix et Obélix: Au service de Sa Majesté (2012).

Film Synopsis

In 50 BC, all of Gaul is occupied by the Romans - all except for one small village in the north of France, which somehow manages to hold out against the might of Imperial Rome.  In this village, the Gauls have a magic potion, made for them by the druid Panoramix, that increases their strength ten-fold, enabling them to fend off any Roman legions that might be foolish enough to attack them.  When the Gauls steal a chest laden with tax revenues, the emperor Julius Caeser decides that enough is enough and orders his ruthless aide, Tullius Destructivus, to rid him of these troublesome Gauls.  A man of unrivalled cunning, Destructivus hits upon a scheme that cannot fail: he will kidnap Panoramix and force him to make the magic potion for the Romans!  After the druid has been captured, it is up to the brave Astérix and Obélix to come to his rescue...