Les 12 Travaux d'Astérix

I have been a die-hard Asterix fan since childhood. However, Asterix's animated outings have been largely disappointing, and the live movies abysmal. This movie is the exception.

Made by Goscinny and Uderzo's (Asterix's creators) ill-fated animation Studio (Studios Idefix) in 1976, the cartoon is a modern take on the Herculean tasks. Asterix and Obelix are required to successfully perform 12 tasks, upon which Caesar will surrender to them. Failure in one task means surrender, certain imprisonment, and probably death to the Gaulish villagers.

This Asterix movie outshines all others in several aspects. Firstly, the animation (although dated) is lush and very true to the comic books; in fact it feels like Uderzo drew some scenes himself (I wouldn't be surprised if he did). Secondly, the screenplay by Goscinny drives the clever humour in the movie (and in the comic books, which have suffered greatly since his death in 1977). Thirdly, this movie caters to all ages. I've seen this film countless times as a child and as an adult, and it never grows old. The movie is brilliant in the way it presents tasks aimed at the universal child in people of all ages (ie. The race with Asbestos) and tasks aimed at adults (ie. The Isle of Pleasure and the Place that sends you Mad) without alienating children too young to understand the themes presented.

I highly recommend this film. One of my favourite movies (not just animated). Very re-watchable. Highly enjoyable. Great humour. Great animation.