When myth meets myth. This is what happened in 2014 when Asterix was adapted on the big screen by the talented Alexandre Astier! Asterix and the Domain of the Gods was an immediate success with both the public and the press. Obviously, when we associate the intelligence of the creator of the cult series Kaamelott with the myth of the comic strip, it is obvious that the recipe works thunder! And finally, after 2 years of work, Alexandre Astier and Louis Clichy are back for this second film: Asterix and the secret of the magic potion.
Panoramix, druid recognized as the best of all Gaul for his magic potion that gives superhuman strength had an accident. While picking his ingredients, he fell from a tree and broke his leg. Faced with this delicate situation, he understands that he is not eternal and that the formula of the magic potion must not disappear with him. He then goes in search of an apprentice to whom to bequeath this coveted secret. Accompanied by Asterix and Obelix, they will cross all Gaul in search of the perfect apprentice. Alas, the secret of the potion is also desired by the fearsome druid Sulfurix, renegade druid and rejected by his peers… An innovative story because never seen in the world of the comic strip of Albert Uderzo and René Goscinny and which, for sure, will make you smile but not only!
A 5-star (voice) cast!
Let's start with the cast which is sparkling! However, you are missing only one being and everything is collapsing around you. This is the case here of Roger Carel. A huge French voice actor (French voice of C3PO, a crazy number of Disney characters or Petrie in The Little Dinosaur), he has however decided to retire, leaving his place as official voice actor of Asterix to Christian Clavier. The latter had already embodied Asterix, notably in the famous Asterix Mission Cleopatra by Alain Chabat. But here, Clavier lacks the desire. Little invested and convincing, he makes us miss Roger Carel and this, despite the fact that Alexandre Astier has adapted the character according to his new voice actor.
As for the other characters, nothing more to say, they are all perfect! Starting with Bernard Alane who lends his voice to Panoramix and who, as usual, is very convincing for a role that turns out to be central in this film but we will come back to this point later! But if a voice can transport you, give you chills and impress you it is that of Daniel Mesguich who interprets Sulfurix, the antagonist of the film. Voice perfectly found and just sumptuous for a character who becomes masterful. A voice that carries with an appalling accuracy that makes us instantly believe in the danger that this corrupt druid represents. Perfect in moments of anger, shenanigans or even humor, Daniel Mesguich achieves here an exceptional dubbing performance that will leave you speechless. But obviously, in addition to quality voice actors (like Alex Lutz very good as always or Guillaume Briat in the role of Obelix), we are lucky to have a film directed not by one talented artist, but two.
Asterix and Alexandre Astier: the film Kaamelott in advance?
What will surely attract you to go see the film is the name of Alexandre Astier. No need to introduce it, you have before you a legend from Lyon but also from French culture. Words certainly very strong but deserved for the creator of the series Kaamelott. Let's also talk about Louis Clichy. Sidelined during the premiere in Lyon in favor of Alexandre Astier, his presence in animation management is nevertheless a crazy opportunity for French animation. His name probably does not mean anything to you but Louis Clichy had already co-directed with (once again) Alexandre Astier, The Domain of the Gods in 2014. He was also part of the Pixar animation team for two masterpieces that are surely not unknown to you: Up there and Wall-e. Incredible films in terms of animation but whose opuses of Asterix have nothing to envy. Of a beauty rarely seen for a French film, The Secret of the Magic Potion is perfectly animated as was its predecessor. A 3D that may scare many but is smooth, elegant and representing a real work of goldsmith. Because when your name is next to that of Alexandre Astier, you pass somewhat in the background, which is not deserved as the animation is sublime.
As for Alexandre Astier's directing, what is it worth? Well, no surprise at this level: it is perfectly mastered and we find the "Astier paw" that we love so much. Of course you will find references to Kaamelott (pay attention to trumpets), actors of the series who lend their voices to characters including Alexandre Astier of course, but also and especially the intelligence of the series. With strong themes, intelligent humor and (more or less) subtle references, this film is everything a Kaamelott fan can hope for or more. Because with this film, Alexandre Astier not only gives a taste of the film from the series but he also continues to make himself dream and fulfill his childhood fantasies with a character he has always loved. The DNA of the Gallic hero has always accompanied him and especially in Kaamelott, strongly inspired by comics:
"I have always loved rants but above all I have a love for people who communicate badly".
But this film is also intelligent in its form by placing Asterix and Obelix in the background! A daring choice but which is a real tour de force. Following Panoramix in his quest makes him an interesting and developed character, with strong themes such as the acceptance of old age but also the unexpected nature of death and therefore the legacy we will leave.
There is, as you will have understood, a lot to say about Asterix and the secret of the magic potion. Whether in its form but also in its background, this animated film is a perfect success and a pleasure of 1h30 that will undoubtedly make you laugh. A film that will surprise you with an intelligence but also a beauty rare in animation and French cinema in general. Everything seems mastered in this film which, even if it is not Kaamelott the movie, is just as effective, funny and well thought out as the series. Alexandre Astier makes us wait in the most beautiful way with, certainly, one of the best films of this end of the year.
Trailer: Asterix – The Secret of the Magic Potion
