- Film Review
- Reviewed By Stella Papamichael
-
3 out of 5
Despite flourishes of CGI, the power of the written word is what drives this fantasy adventure. But perhaps not fast enough. Based on Cornelia Funke's novel, the film stars Brendan Fraser as Mo Folchart, father to the inquisitive young Meggie (Eliza Bennett). Mo is nicknamed "Silvertongue" thanks to his ability to bring storybook characters to life. Sadly, the mythical beings he conjures (including a typically villainous Andy Serkis as the evil Capricorn) have imprisoned his wife (Sienna Guillory) within the pages of the book, Inkheart. The only offer of help comes from Dustfinger (Paul Bettany), a shifty fire-breathing juggler who has also stepped off the pages of the novel. Even without the circus tricks, Bettany steals the show from Fraser, refusing to fit the mould of either hero or villain. And his rapport with Meggie is also much stronger. Director Iain Softley's adaptation of the bestseller is often uneven, but he does provide enough magic and whimsy (not to mention a batty Helen Mirren) to keep the kids enchanted.
Plot Summary
Fantasy adventure starring Brendan Fraser and Paul Bettany. Bookbinder Mo Folchart has the gift of "silvertongue", the ability to make characters in a book come to life. But when he manifests three villains from an old novel, his wife is taken in exchange, forcing Mo and his daughter to embark on an epic journey across Europe to save her.
Cast and crew
Cast
- Mo Folchart
- Brendan Fraser
- Dustfinger
- Paul Bettany
- Elinor Loredan
- Helen Mirren
- Fenoglio
- Jim Broadbent
- Capricorn
- Andy Serkis
- Meggie Folchart
- Eliza Bennett
- Farid
- Rafi Gavron
- Resa
- Sienna Guillory
- Basta
- Jamie Foreman
- Mortola
- Lesley Sharp
- Cockerell
- Matt King
- Flatnose
- Steve Speirs
- Fulvio
- Stephen Graham
- Darius
- John Thomson
- Roxanne
- Jennifer Connelly
- Narrator
- Roger Allam
Crew
- Director
- Iain Softley
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