Asterix & Obelix: The Middle Kingdom is not based on a story from the Asterix comics, unlike the other films in the series. It has plusses – it doesn’t bore, has funny moments, the use of modern-day terms like friendzone, viral, antivirus etc gives a nice touch etc. However, the overall script is unimaginative while the humour is limited. The finale could have been more exciting and even unexpected. Guillaume Canet (also the director of the film) is decent as Asterix while Gilles Lellouche (Obelix) is funny. Vincent Cassel (Julius Caesar) does well. Marion Cotillard (Cleopatra) gets to play an interesting character but is sadly wasted. Julie Chen (Princess Sa See), Leanna Chea (bodyguard) and Linh-Dan Pham (Empress of China) are quite good. All in all, Asterix & Obelix: The Middle Kingdom is okay and mainly for fans of Asterix comics.

My rating - ** ½ out of 5!