听 Released on the eve of the Beijing Olympics, Asterix At The Olympic Games at least has topicality on its side. Shame it's so bereft of the sparkling wit that elevated its comic book inspiration, let alone the exuberance of its two live-action predecessors. In their place comes a plethora of smug in-jokes, ingratiating cameos and a story that, in jettisoning much of the colourful detail from Goscinny and Uderzo's 1968 original, shows a lack of respect that's almost criminal.
To add injury to insult, warrior hero Asterix (Clovis Cornillac, taking over from Christian Clavier) and rotund pal Obelix (Gerard Depardieu) are effectively sidelined by a script that puts the emphasis instead of a farcical duel between Julius Caesar (Alain Delon) and his sneaky son Brutus (Belgian comedian Benoit Poelvoorde) over a Hellenic princess also coveted by Gaulish villager Lovesix (Stephane Rousseau). Betting Brutus he'll win a gold medal at the Olympics, the lovestruck pup heads to Greece with Asterix and Obelix - banned from competing due to the magic potion that gives them superhuman strength - tagging along for the ride.
"FLAT-FOOTED EUROPUDDING"
Bar a mildly diverting interlude that has Depardieu spoof his earlier role as Cyrano de Bergerac, there's little of note here besides a climactic chariot race that sees Asterix go head to head with Michael Schumacher. He is not the only sporting legend to put in an appearance, though, a bizarre finale featuring Amelie Mauresmo, Zinedine Zidane and basketball player Tony Parker putting the lid on a flat-footed Europudding that doesn't even merit a bronze.
Asterix At The Olympic Games (Asterix Aux Jeux Olympiques) is out in the UK on 1st February 2008.
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