Directed by:
Alain ChabatScreenplay:
Alain ChabatCinematography:
Laurent DaillandComposer:
Philippe ChanyCast:
Gérard Depardieu, Christian Clavier, Jamel Debbouze, Monica Bellucci, Alain Chabat, Claude Rich, Gérard Darmon, Edouard Baer, Mouss Diouf, Marina Foïs (more)VOD (1)
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The Egyptian Queen Cleopatra bets against the Roman Emperor, Julius Caesar, that her people are still great, even if the times of the Pharaohs has long passed. She vows (against all logic) to build a new palace for Caesar within three months. Since all her architects are either busy otherwise or too conservative in style, this ambivalent honor falls to Edifis. He is to build the palace and be covered in gold or, if not, his fate is to be eaten by crocodiles. Edifis calls upon an old friend to help him out: The fabulous Druid Getafix from Gaul, who brews a fantastic potion that gives supernatural strength. In order to help and protect the old Druid, Asterix and Obelix accompany him on his journey to Egypt. When Julius Caesar gets wind of the project succeeding, he has the building site attacked by his troops in order to win the bet and not lose face. But just like the local pirates, he hasn't counted on Asterix and Obelix. (official distributor synopsis)
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Reviews (10)
The red lobster is one of the largest crustaceans in existence. An adult specimen can weigh up to 17 1/2 lbs. The high score I gave here is mainly for the lobsters and (literally) a couple of good jokes. The second half is quite good because it is so deranged that... Well, you know, lobsters. But the first half is desperately boring and lame.
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The change of director is evident from the opening sequence, but I don't think the film suffers because of it. The overall feel of the second Asterix may be wackier and crazier, but it's all the more imaginative for it. Jamel Debbouze was right on, and the graceful Monica Bellucci was more of a model for the designers than Cleopatra, as some of her costumes were truly unforgettable. The film also includes some appropriately used references to American films, or at least it felt that way at times. In short, I enjoyed this episode about as much as the previous one, hence I give it the same rating.
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I was extremely surprised at how much I liked this film. Partly because it has genuinely funny scenes where thankfully there's no bickering in a Gallic village, which actually isn't present here at all, and partly because the film is infused with pop culture elements, beautifully reflected in the music. And then, of course, there's Monica Bellucci.
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Asterix & Obelix: Mission Cleopatra usually divides the audience into two disparate groups. I'm one of those who enjoy a live-action version of Cleopatra now and then. The 1968 animated version was already absolutely excellent and there are so many wonderful ideas here. Sun-drenched Egypt is a feast for the eyes, and Monica Bellucci has never been more beautiful. The humor may not be universal, but where the original comics "Asterix and Cleopatra" (1965) worked, this will work too.
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A very zany adaptation of a well-known French comic, full of lighthearted humor that, surprisingly, I didn't mind much in this case, with a few exceptions. The film is suitable as relaxation after exhausting mental work. It's comic book exaggerated, full of directorial ideas and jokes of various kinds. Gérard Depardieu and Christian Clavier deliver their traditionally reliable performances, and Monica Bellucci is certainly more attractive and skilled than her predecessor in the first film. The humor of the original comic is somewhat more sophisticated, not as straightforward and coarse, so true comic fans might react hesitantly. Overall impression: 55%.
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