JUSTIN MATLOCK reviews ASTERIX AT THE OLYMPIC GAMES (PG).

FRANCE'S favourite comic character comes to the big screen again in new live action adventure ASTERIX AT THE OLYMPIC GAMES (PG).

With its tongue firmly in its cheek, the film brings a touch of Ben-Hur to the classic story as our indomitable Gaul heroes Asterix (Clovis Cornillac) and Obelix (Gerard Depardieu) lock horns with the might of the Roman Empire at the ancient athletic competition.

With a whooping budget that apparently makes it the most expensive French-speaking film ever, the movie is full of impressive computer graphics even if it never quite feels as epic as its price tag.

Cornillac and Depardieu are clearly having fun but get unfairly sidelined in favour of a weak romance subplot while the script is guilty of trying a little too hard.

Still there's an undeniable cheeky sense of humour on display that would make Carry On Asterix feel like a fairly accurate alternative title.

At two hours long, young kids may find themselves losing interest before the film crosses the finish line - but even if it doesn't take gold, the film's colourful fun deserves a place on the podium. - JUSTIN MATLOCK