Movie Review - INKHEART
Inkheart features another performance from Hollywood's most dependable actor Brendan Fraser. That isn't exactly a good quote as Fraser again finds himself in his usual comedic fantasy role. From playing teens in fantasies to now being their fathers, it seems he's an unfortunate victim of Tinseltown type-casting. Nevertheless he delivers a strong rendition in a film verging on passable entertainment.
Silvertongues are a unique breed by reading stories to their loved ones. Their words literally come alive when characters enter the real world. Mortimor Folchart (Brendan F
raser) is one of these whom, after losing his wife due to his unwanted talent, decreed never to read again. This becomes impossible due to the arrival of Dustfinger (Paul Bettany) a fictional character who desires to return home. Telling Mortimor his wife is trapped in Inkheart's fantasy universe; they must battle against its evil ruler Capricorn (Andy Serkis). Attempting to protect his daughter and rescue his wife, Mortimor's gift could also become his greatest curse.
With actors of Jim Broadbent's and Helen Mirren's calibre appearing, one would have expected an escapist romp in the Harry Potter mould. This you almost receive with a pretty interesting concept about the wonder of imagination bought to vivid life. Based on a novel by Cornelia Funke, Inkheart's travels from page to screen is not without its concerns. Whilst story and cinematography are top notch, the characters 
hardly register on the sympathy scale. Most of them, including the leads, have their own selfish agendas in reaching their goals with their constant ill tempered manners making for wearisome viewing.
Another mistake is director's Iain Softley's approach in telling the tale. Oddly concentrating on the supporting cast than the leading hero/villain gives a disjointed feel in a story reliant on a traditional structure. What's on display is reasonable, although with the resources available Softley fails to utilise them to his advantage. Generally there is an appropriate level of wonder and some nice humorous flourishes even if some of the performers tend to outrageously over-act. Andy Serkis in particular is guilty of this, although his underuse throughout underscores Inkheart's much unfocussed narrative.
Undemanding littlies should get something out of this, whilst more discerning audiences may find the constant chase/capture formula rather tiresome. As another notch on Brendan Fraser's fantasy belt, Inkheart is a very average entry signalling it's perhaps time to move out of the pigeon hole in which he seems to have become comfortably trapped.
Movie Review rating 5 / 10
Movie review by Patrick Moore
Inheart released in Australia on Thursday 2nd April 2009.
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Patrick Moore's Movie Review is an alternative look at current movie releases in Australia.
raser) is one of these whom, after losing his wife due to his unwanted talent, decreed never to read again. This becomes impossible due to the arrival of Dustfinger (Paul Bettany) a fictional character who desires to return home. Telling Mortimor his wife is trapped in Inkheart's fantasy universe; they must battle against its evil ruler Capricorn (Andy Serkis). Attempting to protect his daughter and rescue his wife, Mortimor's gift could also become his greatest curse.
With actors of Jim Broadbent's and Helen Mirren's calibre appearing, one would have expected an escapist romp in the Harry Potter mould. This you almost receive with a pretty interesting concept about the wonder of imagination bought to vivid life. Based on a novel by Cornelia Funke, Inkheart's travels from page to screen is not without its concerns. Whilst story and cinematography are top notch, the characters 
hardly register on the sympathy scale. Most of them, including the leads, have their own selfish agendas in reaching their goals with their constant ill tempered manners making for wearisome viewing.
Another mistake is director's Iain Softley's approach in telling the tale. Oddly concentrating on the supporting cast than the leading hero/villain gives a disjointed feel in a story reliant on a traditional structure. What's on display is reasonable, although with the resources available Softley fails to utilise them to his advantage. Generally there is an appropriate level of wonder and some nice humorous flourishes even if some of the performers tend to outrageously over-act. Andy Serkis in particular is guilty of this, although his underuse throughout underscores Inkheart's much unfocussed narrative.
Undemanding littlies should get something out of this, whilst more discerning audiences may find the constant chase/capture formula rather tiresome. As another notch on Brendan Fraser's fantasy belt, Inkheart is a very average entry signalling it's perhaps time to move out of the pigeon hole in which he seems to have become comfortably trapped.
Movie Review rating 5 / 10
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