Der Abenteurer – Der Fluch des Midas (2013)

Der Abenteurer – Der Fluch des Midas: Directed by Jonathan Newman. With Aneurin Barnard, Michael Sheen, Lena Headey, Sam Neill. Ancient mysteries. Powerful evil. And a fearless hero’s quest through a fantastical realm of steam-powered wonders and sinister magic…

“When this film began I was exhilarated. Not knowing anything about the film prior to screening, the cast is the first thing to impress. Visually, it is handsomely mounted. I anticipated another classic adventure favorite unfolding before me.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eUnfortunately the film becomes laden with details and loose threads as it moves along, and fails to gain steam or provide answers. There are side stories that are intriguing when introduced, but never pursued. Then there are u0026quot;discoveriesu0026quot; which are made much too easily, one wonders why nobody made them before.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eAneurin Barnard who plays Mariah, the older brother in the family, appeared to be the next heartthrob-in-the-making; handsome, talented, appealing. But it isnu0026#39;t to be as I doubt many people will rush to this film. Michael Sheen is splendid as he hams his way through this film, but he is unmatched by any other players, mostly due to the troubled screenplay with which they contend. Sam Neill is wasted in a role of broad villainous strokes that are tired and worn out.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eOther characters appear and then arenu0026#39;t heard from again, supposedly until the sequel. By the time this film ends, there isnu0026#39;t a coherent TEAM of triumphant adventurers over a defeated foe, just kids who made it through a harrowing experience with the help of some grown-ups who are never strongly defined.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eThe film shifts abruptly from classic adventure to science fiction, which is such a bumpy transition, I was thrown off.”