Asterix: The Secret of the Magic Potion

Asterix - The Secret of the Magic Potion marks the tenth film adaptation of the characters created by screenwriter René Goscinny and cartoonist Albert Uderzo in October 1959, this time in the form of an animated feature. After such classics as Asterix the Gaul (1967), Asterix and Cleopatra (1968), The Twelve Labors of Asterix (1976), Asterix and Caesar's Surprise (1985), Asterix and the Bretons (1986), Asterix and the Menhir Blow (1989), Asterix and the Indians (1994), Asterix and the Vikings (2006), and Asterix: Le Domaine des Dieux (2014), this new film offers a familiar perspective to those who already appreciate this universe. Noteworthy, this is the first original adventure not derived from a pre-existing comic book.

Louis Clichy and Alexandre Astier, responsible for scripting and directing, take up the reins once again, while Mikros Animation once more takes charge of animation. Unfortunately, despite the undeniable quality of the animation, the simplistic, linear plot - centered on the character of the Druid Panoramix, who is looking for a successor due to his advanced age - detracts from the pleasure of rediscovering this familiar universe.

Although French studios have demonstrated their ability to rival their Hollywood counterparts in terms of quality and innovation, the attempt here to deviate from the formula that made the Asterix adventures so successful seems a risky exercise, going so far as to alter the village of the irreducible Gauls and introduce a disconnected battle of giants, apparently intended to compete with the craze generated by the return of one of the most beloved Transformers. This attempt to captivate a new generation of viewers seems to compromise the cultural legacy left by René Goscinny and Albert Uderzo.

Despite the iconic voice of Roger Carel, who traditionally portrayed Asterix, Christian Clavier reprises the role, already played in Asterix and Obelix vs. Caesar (1999) and Asterix and Obelix: Mission Cleopatra (2002). However, the result is less convincing, even if the character of Asterix is relegated to the background with little dialogue, putting more emphasis on Getafix.

Despite a simplistic plot, the film shows a certain inventiveness through zany names and scenes, with refreshing moments involving numerous druids. Better script development could have turned this film into a must-see for the Christmas season. The film's real nugget is the character of young Pectine, who even steals the show from Asterix and Obelix, bringing an extra touch of tenderness to the story.

The French voice cast, including Christian Clavier, Guillaume Briat, Alex Lutz, Alexandre Astier, Elie Semoun, Daniel Mesguich, Bernard Alane, Gérard Hernandez and François Morel, helps to maintain the consistent quality of the French version.

Attempting to revisit the Asterix and Obelix universe while modernizing it, Asterix - The Secret of the Magic Potion doesn't rank among the best animated films of the year, far from the perfection of Ralph 2.0. However, it does offer enjoyable family entertainment, despite its shortcomings. The screening at Gaumont Disney Village, Salle 1 place L12, in VF, on December 02, 2018, made it possible to share this cinematic moment with the family.

Asterix: The Secret of the Magic Potion
Directed by Louis Clichy, Alexandre Astier, Karl Willems, Jack Cox
Written by Alexandre Astier, Louis Clichy, Joël Savdie, Mariette Kelley
Story by Alexandre Astier
Based on Asterix by René Goscinny, Albert Uderzo
Produced by Philippe Bony
Starring Christian Clavier, Florence Foresti, Elie Semoun, François Morel, Alexandre Astier, Lionnel Astier
Cinematography : David Dulac
Edited by Bertrand Maillard
Music by Philippe Rombi
Production companies : M6 Group, Mikros Image
Distributed by SND Groupe M6
Release dates : 5 December 2018 (France), 22 June 2019 (UK), 28 June 2019 (USA)
Running time : 87 minutes

Seen December 02, 2018 at Gaumont Disney Village, Salle 1 seat L12