Review of Asterix and the Vikings (2006) by Ronilson A — 04 Aug 2010

First I would like to say that I think the study of ancient civilizations are quite fascinating. And that is why enjoy reading the Asterix comics, and watching three of the Asterix films online. The comic (and film series) is set in historical Gaul (modern France) in 50 BC (with comical anchorism), and follows the exploits of the diminutive hero and his clumsy, over-sized, but extremely strong and good-hearted best friend, Obelix, in their village - and other places too.

This is my favorite Asterix film. This film is loosely based on the 9th comic album "Asterix and the Normans," when the village's chief Vitalstatistix, received a letter from his brother from Lutetia (modern Paris), that he is sending his son Justforkix, who is to be trained to be a man by Asterix and Obelix. But the lad isn't fit to be a Gallic warrior: He is sensitive and artistic scared. Meanwhile, a group of Viking warriors travel to the Gaulish Village to discover the meaning of fear, after an unsuccessful raid in an empty village - and misinterpret the metaphor "fear gives you wings." So, they end up kidnapping Justforkix. Now it is up to Asterix and Obelix to travel to icy Norway to rescue him.

I thought the English dub-casting was excellent, with Paul Giamatti as Asterix; Lord of the Rings' Sean Astin as Justforkix; Brad Garret as Obelix. And Evan Rachel Wood as Abba. And I thought the animation is simply gorgeous. Never has Asterix looked so good on screen. In an era obsessed with the fad of CGI, seeing this reinforces again the inherent.

Beauty of 2-D art. The backgrounds look amazing, the characters as mentioned move amazing well (with real weight and interacting with their environment) and take note of the level of detail with the lighting in this film. So anyway, this film is worth seeing.