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After two live-action turns starring Gérard Depardieu, Asterix And The Vikings goes back to basics, returning the indomitable Gaulish hero of the perennially popular comic books to his traditional cartoon form. Fidelity only goes so far though in Stefan Fjeldmark's feature, which loses its way the further it veers from its source. Still, younger fans won't be disappointed by a well-mounted outing, whose English-language version boasts spirited contributions from Sideways' Paul Giamatti and Frodo's mate Sean Astin.

Taking its story from Asterix And The Normans, the ninth adventure to feature the little French warrior with the big moustache, Vikings sees our two boar-loving friends play second banana to Justforkix (Astin), a brash teenager from 'Parisium' with little patience for country ways. Callow and lily-livered, he's the perfect guinea-pig for a horde of Norsemen who've sailed south to learn the meaning of fear on the deluded belief that it really can "lend you wings". Fortunately, he has an ally in the enemy camp in the shapely form of Abba (Evan Rachel Wood), the spunky daughter of the Viking chief determined to prove she can pillage with the best of them.

"KEEPS TO THE SPIRIT OF THE KIDS' FAVOURITE"

Wood's participation is one of several embellishments made to the original that will have purists up in arms. For the most part, however, Fjeldmark keeps to the spirit if not the letter of this durable kids' favourite, while Giamatti's gruff irascibility fits his character as snugly as his familiar winged helmet.