kids play

The French maestro Luc Besson (The Big Blue / Leon) directs his first part animated, part live-action movie. Arthur and the Invisibles is a strange mix of Honey I Shrunk the Kids, James and the Giant Peach and Ferngully: The Last Rainforest.

With an A-List cast voicing the CGI characters of the movie (Robert de Niro, Harvey Keitel, Madonna and David Bowie) and Freddie Highmore and Mia Farrow fronting the live-action segments, there is initially a lot to get excited about.

Arthur (Freddie Highmore) lives with his grandmother (Mia Farrow) who is under threat of losing her house unless she can pay off all their debts. Arthur’s grandfather has been missing for four years, so the young boy sets off to find his grandfather and the hidden treasure, amongst an invisible underground CGI world situated in their back garden.

The film looks stunning and the soundtrack by Eric Serra deserves a mention. The problem with Arthur is the plot, direction and overall vision serve only to remind you of more original and enjoyable movies for the younger generation. Arthur and the Invisibles is full of flair and ambition, but lacks good old fashion adventure and family fun.

One for the youngsters to watch on their own.