Asterix, The Mansions of the Gods

Directed by: Louis Clichy
Based on The Mansions of the Gods by René Goscinny, Albert Uderzo
Produced By: Philippe Bony, Thomas Valentin
Starring: Jack Whitehall, Nick Frost, Greg Davies, Matt Berry, Catherine Tate, Harry Enfield, Richard McCourt, Dominic Wood, Jim Broadbent
Music by: Philippe Rombi
Production Company: M6 Films, Belvision, Grid Animation
Release dates: 26 November 2014

Plot: Frustrated with the ongoing rebellion of the Gauls, Julius Caesar devises a new scheme to conquer them: the construction of a city of luxury apartments dubbed “The Mansions Of The Gods” in the forest near the Gauls' village as a means to absorb them into Roman civilization.

During a boar hunt, Asterix and Obelix discover the Mansions’ construction site. Project leader and architect Squaronthehypotenus and the Roman legion commanded by Centurion Somniferus order slaves to deforest the surrounding area. Asterix and Obelix attempt to counteract the Romans’ efforts using magic acorns from Getafix the druid, which instantly sprout into full trees upon planting.

Upon hearing the frustrated Squaronthehypotunus threatening to work the slaves to death, Asterix and Obelix invade the Roman camp to free the slaves and provide them with the Gauls' magic potion as a means to escape. This backfires however when the slaves instead use it to rapidly advance construction, as well as barter for the same pay as the legionaries, along with their freedom and apartments for each of them upon completion. The legionaries also go on strike for similar reasons upon hearing about it.

Review: The fun and games of trying to get rid of the Romans and the fancy mansions becomes an ongoing challenge. Especially when the Chief and the tribe decide to move into the mansions and take advantage of all the ammenities and modcoms available. Asterix and Oblilix both are challenged to get cooperation from the tribe and even a family who inadvertantly won an apartment within the mansions only to get booted out for not having the correct paperwork. Yes, this is a classic Asterix and Oblilix story. One that will be enjoyed by the whole family.

M J Flack