Stormbreaker (or Cameo-fest 2006)

Imagine Spy Kids all grown up. And set in London. And filled with every famous British actor (except Dame Dench). Welcome to Stormbreaker.

No prizes for guessing if I liked it. Everyone knows I have an almost maniacal love for: a) kids films; b) cheesy spy shows; c) Robbie Coltrane; d) Stephen Fry; (and finally I must admit) e) Alicia Silverstone.

The set up is pretty much what you expect: uncle dies, kid realises he has unwittingly trained to be a spy, he gets recruited to continue his uncles work. It is run-of-the-mill but it gets me every time. The "ohmygodIdidn'trealiseIcoulddothat" moments, the gadgets, the one liners. Everything is here, like a box crammed with goodies. The film isn't perfect, it tends towards the cheesy and OTT but it is a kids film. Andy Horowitz, who wrote the screenplay and the novels on which it is based has done himself a little bit of a disservice by pandering to the conventions of the genre instead of sticking to his original vision but at the end of the day it probably adds some well needed fun to the piece.

The best thing about it is the slickness. It is amazing to see London and Britain showcased as if it is a big budget Hollywood spectacular. Action scenes take place in Brompton Cemetery (home to gay men in speedos sunbaking during summer apparently, though I am yet to see), Chelsea and in Welsh seaside towns. I know it is probably just me, but it gives the film a more grounded feel, which it really benefits from.

My biggest complaint is that most of the bigger name actors, even though they make a huge impact, get only seconds of screen time. The price of admission is worth it just to see Ewan McGregor pull off another round of expert smile-acting.

It is definitely a film for the young at heart, so what are you waiting for, go and see it now!

Oh, and I almost forgot. Alex Pettyfer, who plays teen-spy, Alex Rider is, um, I think the correct phrasing is "When he grows up he is going to be really good looking", which makes everything sound a little less sicko. He is really solid in the film and handles the role well. He has already quit school so I hope for his sake his star takes off. He shouldn't have a problem.

Tags: movie review, cinema