Film Review | The Extraordinary Adventures of Adele Blanc-Sec

Taking a break from his more recent penchant for writing and producing hi-octane action flicks such as Transporter 3 and From Paris With Love, legendary French director Luc Besson marks a return to form behind the camera with this fantasy adventure take on the Franco-Belgian comic book series.

The plot is suitably wacky and convoluted, with plenty of CGI flourishes and beautifully choreographed set-pieces.

Set in Paris in 1912, the film tells the story of a novelist, played like an unfeasibly beautiful Indiana Jones by Louise Bourgoin, who is packed off to far-flung locations to save her comatose sister. Meanwhile back in Paris a mad professor, via psychic energy no less, has hatched a giant pterodactyl that’s wreaking havoc.

Besson brings the visual flair you would expect, all the while remaining faithful to the comic book origins, while the lead is a typically engaging Besson female lead – witty, passionate and poised as she negotiates scrapes with suitors, flics and monsters.

With some excellent support including Matthieu Amalric on fine form as the baddie, in short Besson is back as a big-budget auteur. A very watchable, fun film.

Friday, May, 20th at 12.05 by Katharine Barrau