This little film is very forgettable for me, but for my six year old it gets three thumbs up – her words, not mine. What I didn’t know, originally, was that the film was directed by Luc Besson, the mastermind behind The 5th Element. That being said, Arthur & The Invisibles is a rather charming fairy tale that features a truly wonderful young actor named Freddy Highmore. (Charlie & The Chocolate Factory & Finding Neverland)
The film mixes live action with CGI. The film opens with Arthur (Highmore) at his grandmother’s (Mia Farrow) farm. The year is 1960. Arthur’s grandfather disappeared many years ago and now his grandmother is in danger of losing their farm because she cannot pay the bills. Arthur takes it upon himself to save his home and his grandmother by following the clues his grandfather left behind.
Arthur’s quest takes him to the land of the Minnemoys. The Minnemoys are punked out elves that live in serenity in their underground city. The Minnemoys have one fear, the evil Maltazard (voiced deliciously by David Bowie) who wants to expand his own kingdom and take over the Minnemoys. This is the part where the plot gets a little silly, but it’s still fun.
Arthur meets Princess Selenia (voiced by of all people, Madonna) and her father, the King (Robert De Niro). Selenia is the King’s heir and once she is 1,000 years old she can ascend the throne, but with the threat of the Evil M hanging over them all, there is every chance that Princess Selenia will not vogue her way to the crown.
The Evil M is also holding Arthur’s grandfather hostage (for a reason I cannot remember) and it’s up to Arthur to save both his grandfather and the Minnemoys. Of course, the film has a happily ever after, the Minnemoys are saved, Arthur’s grandfather is saved and his grandmother’s farm is saved.
Don’t get me wrong, it’s a cute film and the kids will love it, there’s just not enough substance to hold an adult’s attention beyond the cuteness of the casting. Still – Arthur is the most memorable character and the rest? Well – they didn’t call them invisibles for nothing.
Kids will love the adventure. Rated PG for some intense scenes.