Reviewed by Victor Rebikoff.
Director: Iain Softley, New Line Cinema, PG 106 Minutes.
Based on Cornelia Funke’s bestselling novel, ‘Inkheart’ is an enjoyable family fantasy from director Iain Softley (‘Skeleton Key’) that tells the story of book fixer, Mo Folchart (Brendan Fraser – ‘Bedazzled’) having the unique ability to bring fictional characters to life.
Mo’s unique gift is first demonstrated in the opening scenes as he reads aloud to his baby daughter the book “Little Red Riding Hood” prior to seeing a red riding hood fall into his backyard.
Twelve years have now passed as Mo and his daughter Meggie (Eliza Bennett – ‘Nanny McPhee’) are seen going to some bookshops in Germany where Mo finds an old book and pulls – out a copy of “Inkheart’ from the shelves.
Outside the bookshop Mo meets – up with Meggie as well as Dustfinger (Paul Bettany – ‘Priest’) who calls on him to correct what happened nine years ago by wanting Mo to have him read back into the Inkheart book – as Dustfinger suddenly disappears.
Mo now proceeds to take Meggie to Italy to visit her aunt Elinor (Helen Mirren – ‘Hitchcock’) as Dustfinger re- appears to reveal that he was forced to help the crafty Capricorn (Andy Serkis – ‘Black Panther’) and his collaborator Basta (Jamie Foreman – ‘Botched’).
Besides conceding he had brought back to life all three characters through his reading of the book, Mo is surprised to discover that his action had also caused his wife Resa (Sienna Guillory – ‘Eragon’) to disappear at the same time.
Realising the urgency to stop Capricorn from carrying out his evil plans after being told that Dustfinger had given him the Inkheart book which he burnt, Mo together with Meggie and Elinor head to Capricorn’s castle.
It soon turns out to be a confrontation of considerable magical magnitude resulting in the rescue of Mo’s wife Resa followed by Capricorn and colleagues being returned to the historical dustbin of a mediaeval past.
Softley’s adaptation of Funke’s famous book has ensured that there is an entertaining storyline made possible by the wonderful cast of characters including the addition of such superb cinematic settings and special effects.
The most notable performances are from Fraser, Bennett, Mirren and Serkis with such major highlights being the scenes shared with the legendary Mirren and Dustfinger’s return to his magical world and his family.
Vic’s Verdict: 3 ½ Stars
Inkheart is to be televised on Channel 9GO at 7.00pm on Friday 5 November.
