ASTERIX AND THE SECRET OF THE MAGIC POTION

France, 2018, 85 minutes, Colour.
Voices of: Christian Clavier, Guillaume Briat, Alex Lutz, Alexander Astier.
Directed by Alexandre Astier, Louis Clichy.

The Asterix comics have been popular for many decades, initially in print, then in a series of animated films and, more latterly, in live action comic adventures.

This film returns to animation featuring many of the voices from the past, especially Christian Clavier who appeared in a number of the live-action films.

This is one of the slightest of the Asterix films. As always, it recreates the life of the village with its many eccentricities. It is also preoccupied with the presence of the Romans and their attack on the Gauls.

However, the focus is on the particular potion and a formula for it. The local magicians are getting old. There are other rivals who want the potion. Asterix and, as always, with the bumbling Obolix, sets out on a mission to find someone who can take the place of the old magician. There are various characters along the way, the thwarting of the journey, the selection of a young man who might become the successor, his initial failures - and the young girl who has the potential to be a successful wizard.

At the end of the film, there are double dealings, especially with the Romans – and even an appearance by Julius Caesar.

So, the plot is rather slight, repetitious of old stories – but, for the fans, there is always the pleasure of meeting Asterix, Obolix and the rest of the characters in the village and share their adventures.