Artemis Fowl
Directed by Kenneth Branagh
- adventure
- fantasy
- science fiction
- family
The story
Artemis Fowl is a 12-year-old genius and descendant of a long line of criminal masterminds. He soon finds himself in an epic battle against a race of powerful underground fairies who may be behind his father's disappearance.
What it’s like
Bright, flat daylight and glossy digital sheen give this family fantasy a slick, studio-polished look, with Irish mansion interiors in cool, tidy greens and browns and a fairy realm that flares into saturated, busy colour, all rendered in crisp CGI. Camera work is conventional and brisk, with quick cuts, sweeping establishing shots and lots of movement during chase and gadget sequences, while the score is orchestral and bombastic, swelling over action beats. The mood is playful and cheeky rather than dark: a kid-genius wit runs through the dialogue, and the sense of wonder is bright and busy more than eerie. Its arc follows a clever, prickly boy who has to learn to rely on others and let his guard down. Intensity is low: some action peril, a few slapstick falls and sci-fi gadgetry, but no gore and little real menace. Suited to a family movie night or a light, undemanding watch for children and adults who enjoy fast-paced, gadget-driven fantasy with a sardonic streak.
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