Review: Asterix at the Olympic Games (2008)
Introduction
Asterix at the Olympic Games (2008) is a French live-action comedy film based on the beloved Asterix comic book series created by René Goscinny and Albert Uderzo. Directed by Frédéric Forestier and Thomas Langmann, the film follows Asterix and Obelix as they travel to Greece to compete in the Olympic Games, facing off against the Romans while upholding the Gaulish tradition of resisting Roman rule. Starring Clovis Cornillac as Asterix, Gérard Depardieu as Obelix, and Alain Delon as Julius Caesar, the film is the third live-action adaptation in the Asterix series, following Asterix & Obelix Take On Caesar (1999) and Asterix & Obelix: Mission Cleopatra (2002).
With a large budget and ambitious production, Asterix at the Olympic Games aimed to blend slapstick comedy, action, and a star-studded cast, but despite its visual spectacle, it struggled to capture the charm of the original comics.
Plot Overview
The story follows Asterix and Obelix as they accompany their young Gaulish friend Alafolix to Greece, where he hopes to win the Olympic Games and impress Princess Irina, the woman he loves. However, the path to victory is not easy, as the arrogant and power-hungry Brutus, the son of Julius Caesar, is also competing. Brutus, desperate to prove himself and gain control of Rome, resorts to cheating and sabotage to ensure his own victory.
As the Gauls prepare to compete, they realize that their secret weapon—the magical potion that grants them superhuman strength—is forbidden under Olympic rules. This forces Asterix and Obelix to rely on their wits, skill, and teamwork to overcome Brutus’ schemes and help Alafolix win both the games and the heart of Princess Irina.
The plot attempts to mix comedy, romance, and adventure, but its execution results in a story that feels disjointed and overly reliant on gags rather than solid storytelling.
Themes and Humor
Like other Asterix adaptations, this film attempts to blend satire, historical parody, and lighthearted comedy. The film explores themes of fair competition, friendship, and perseverance. However, Asterix at the Olympic Games leans more heavily on slapstick humor and pop culture references than its predecessors.
One of the film’s biggest flaws is its excessive reliance on modern celebrity cameos and references that feel forced. The inclusion of real-life sports stars such as Michael Schumacher and Zinédine Zidane, while amusing in concept, detracts from the historical setting and feels like an attempt to attract a broader audience rather than serve the narrative.
Compared to Asterix & Obelix: Mission Cleopatra, which successfully balanced humor and storytelling, this film struggles with comedic timing and often prioritizes spectacle over substance. Many of the jokes feel repetitive, and while some slapstick moments land well, others fall flat due to excessive exaggeration.
Visuals and Cinematography
The production design and costumes are among the film’s strongest aspects. The depiction of ancient Greece and the Olympic Games is vibrant and grand, with elaborate sets that bring the historical setting to life. The costumes, particularly those of the Roman and Greek characters, are well-designed and stay true to the aesthetic of the original comics.
However, the film’s use of CGI is inconsistent. While some visual effects, such as the Olympic stadium and the large-scale events, are impressive, others feel excessive and artificial. Some action sequences, particularly those involving exaggerated stunts and magic potion effects, feel too cartoonish, which can take viewers out of the experience.
The cinematography, handled by Thierry Arbogast, captures the grandeur of the Olympic setting, but the overuse of slow-motion and exaggerated camera movements in comedic scenes sometimes makes the film feel too self-indulgent.
Performances
Clovis Cornillac as Asterix
Replacing Christian Clavier from the previous two films, Clovis Cornillac takes on the role of Asterix. While he brings a certain physicality to the role, his portrayal lacks the charm and wit that Clavier brought to the character. His performance feels somewhat stiff, and he struggles to make Asterix as engaging as he should be.
Gérard Depardieu as Obelix
Depardieu once again delivers a solid performance as Obelix, maintaining the character’s lovable and comedic presence. However, the script does not give him enough meaningful moments, reducing his role to basic comic relief rather than a true companion to Asterix.
Benoît Poelvoorde as Brutus
One of the film’s most exaggerated performances comes from Benoît Poelvoorde as Brutus. While he fully embraces the role with energetic villainy and slapstick humor, his portrayal is overly exaggerated, making him more of a caricature than a truly menacing antagonist. His comedic antics may appeal to younger viewers but can become tiresome for others.
Alain Delon as Julius Caesar
A highlight of the film is Alain Delon as Julius Caesar. His portrayal adds an air of sophistication and charisma to the role, and his self-referential humor, including nods to his past film career, provides some of the film’s best moments. Despite the film’s flaws, Delon’s performance remains a standout.
Pacing and Storytelling
One of the biggest issues with Asterix at the Olympic Games is its uneven pacing. The film takes too long to set up its main conflict, and the middle section drags due to an overreliance on comedic skits rather than meaningful plot progression.
Additionally, the film struggles with balancing its multiple storylines—Asterix and Obelix’s journey, Alafolix’s romance, and Brutus’ villainous schemes. As a result, the narrative feels cluttered and lacks focus. The climax, while visually entertaining, feels rushed and predictable.
Music and Soundtrack
The film’s soundtrack, composed by Frédéric Talgorn, provides an energetic and epic feel that matches the grandeur of the Olympic setting. However, much like the humor, the music sometimes feels mismatched with the tone of the scenes. Additionally, the inclusion of modern music elements, particularly in certain comedic sequences, feels out of place.
Conclusion
Asterix at the Olympic Games is a visually impressive but narratively weak adaptation of the beloved comic book series. While the film boasts grand production design, strong performances from Gérard Depardieu and Alain Delon, and occasional humorous moments, it ultimately falls short due to its weak script, inconsistent pacing, and excessive reliance on forced gags and celebrity cameos.
The charm and wit that made Asterix & Obelix: Mission Cleopatra such a success are noticeably lacking here, making this entry feel more like a chaotic spectacle than a well-crafted comedy adventure.
For die-hard Asterix fans, the film may offer some entertainment, particularly in its visual appeal and faithful recreation of certain comic elements. However, for general audiences and those looking for a well-balanced comedy, Asterix at the Olympic Games is a disappointing experience that fails to capture the true spirit of the original comics.
Final Verdict
A visually ambitious but uneven adaptation that prioritizes spectacle over storytelling. While it has some fun moments, Asterix at the Olympic Games fails to match the humor and charm of its predecessors.
Final Rating: 5/10
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