I have to admit that I am generally ignorant of the Asterix Series. I can remember reading the comics in French class, growing up in Canada and trying to figure out what the stories were about, but that was about the limit of my exposure to this popular Francophone.

I was pleasantly surprised with this little adventure comedy for kids! The characterization of one of history's greatest rivalries; between the Gauls of Britannia and Caesar of Rome, is hilariously represented in this film. Each person was a caricature of itself, Asterix and his nobility, Obelix and his strength, the Druids deep intelligence, Caesars tyranny, and even the hard working slaves... each one as funny as the last.

The story is fun as well, full of jokes for everyone. Children I'm sure will laugh throughout at all the silly little events, fights that break out, and of course the cute Dogmatix who runs amok throughout. What really surprised me were the number of slightly adult jokes. Not crude or dirty, but jokes that required a little bit of thought. The hedonism of the Romans, the gluttony of the Gauls, the unionization and unique disposition of the slave leader, not to mention whose bed he sleeps in ;)

All around a great kids movie, and lots of fun along the way. Certainly as good as most Pixar films from recent years.

7/10