Inkheart
Cast: Brendan Fraser, Paul Bettany, Helen Mirren, Jim Broadbent
Dir: Iain Softley
Rating: 3/5
The Christmas period is never complete without a fantasy movie playing in cinemas, and 2008 is no different, as Cornelia Funke’s Inkheart gets the silver screen make-over.
Mo Folchart possesses a secret ability to bring characters from books to life when he reads them aloud. But when Mo accidentally brings a power-hungry villain from a rare children's fable to life, the villain kidnaps Mo's daughter and demands Mo bring other evil fictional characters to life.
In an attempt to rescue his daughter, Mo assembles a disparate group of friends --both real and magic--and embarks on a journey to save her and set things right.
And unlike some of the fantasy films that have graced our screens at this time of year and throughout 2008 this adaptation doesn’t disappoint as Softley brings together an impressive cast of Brendan Fraser, Paul Bettany and Oscar winner Helen Mirren.
Inkheart really is a little gem of a movie as it blends action with a story told with real charm and wit and all this is supported by some really good special effects as Softley directs with a real flair.
But the film’s real strong point is it’s very impressive cast as Brendan Fraser plays the tortured Mo who keeps the disappearance of his wife a secret from his inquisitive daughter whilst trying to save here from a similar fate.
Paul Bettany walks the fine line between good and bad as Dustfinger, who found himself in the real world when Mo read aloud her the book Inkheart, and Andy Serkis has always got to be the number one choice for an evil and slightly creepy villain, and here he doesn’t disappoint.
And while Eliza Bennett puts in a good performance as Mo’s young daughter Meggie it’s Oscar winner Helen Mirren who really steals the show, while demonstrating great comic timing, as Meggie’s somewhat eccentric great aunt.
Despite this great cast the other members such as Fraser, Serkis, Mirren and Bettany, while delivering solid performances, are never really stretched.
The problem with these types of movies is if Softley sticks to Funke’s novel rigidly he would be accused of producing a safe film and if he was to stray too far he faces the wrath of the dedicated fans. Having said this Sofley has delivered a film that will keep both fans of the book and newcomers to the story happy.
While this film doesn’t break any new ground in this genre it is a great movie that will entertain both children and adults and fills the hole left by Harry Potter as well as delivering a great message about the importance of books and reading.
Inkheart is a great fantasy flick to catch with the family this Christmas and is out now.
FemaleFirst Helen Earnshaw