Arthur and the Revenge of Maltazard (2009) Movie Review: A Mixed Bag of Fantasy and Adventure
Overview
“Arthur and the Revenge of Maltazard” is a 2009 fantasy adventure film directed by Luc Besson. It is the second installment in the “Arthur” series, following “Arthur and the Invisibles” (2006). The film continues the adventures of Arthur as he returns to the world of the Minimoys to help his friends. Despite its colorful animation and imaginative world, the film struggles to maintain the charm and excitement of its predecessor.
Plot Summary
The story picks up where the first film left off, with Arthur (Freddie Highmore) eagerly awaiting his return to the Minimoy world. When he receives a distress signal from Princess Selenia (voiced by Selena Gomez), he embarks on a mission to save her. However, Arthur soon discovers that the distress call was a trap set by the evil Maltazard (voiced by Lou Reed), who has sinister plans to take over both the Minimoy and human worlds.
As Arthur navigates through various challenges and allies with his friends Betameche (voiced by Jimmy Fallon) and Selenia, he must thwart Maltazard’s plans and save his family. The film sets the stage for the final showdown between Arthur and Maltazard, which is continued in the next sequel.
Performance and Direction
Freddie Highmore reprises his role as Arthur with enthusiasm and charm, providing a consistent anchor for the film. The voice cast, including Selena Gomez and Jimmy Fallon, deliver lively performances that bring their animated characters to life. Lou Reed’s portrayal of Maltazard adds a menacing touch to the villain, though the character’s motivations and development are somewhat underwhelming.
Luc Besson’s direction maintains the whimsical tone of the series, but the pacing of the film suffers from a lack of substantial plot progression. The movie feels more like a setup for the next installment rather than a complete story on its own. This can leave viewers feeling unsatisfied with the film’s abrupt ending and unresolved plotlines.
Visuals and Animation
The animation in “Arthur and the Revenge of Maltazard” is vibrant and detailed, successfully creating a magical and immersive world. The character designs and settings are imaginative, reflecting Besson’s unique visual style. The blend of live-action and CGI is well-executed, maintaining a seamless transition between Arthur’s real-world and Minimoy adventures.
Themes and Relevance
The film explores themes of bravery, friendship, and the importance of standing up against evil. Arthur’s journey emphasizes the value of loyalty and the courage needed to face formidable challenges. However, the narrative’s simplicity and lack of depth may not fully engage older audiences or those looking for more complex storytelling.
Streaming and Availability
For viewers in the United States, “Arthur and the Revenge of Maltazard” is available for streaming on various platforms. You can watch it on Amazon Prime Video. The film is also available for rent or purchase on digital platforms like Apple iTunes, Google Play Movies, Vudu, and YouTube Movies.
Conclusion
“Arthur and the Revenge of Maltazard” offers a visually appealing adventure that continues the story of Arthur and his friends in the Minimoy world. While the film has its moments of charm and excitement, it ultimately falls short of delivering a fully satisfying experience. The strong performances by the cast and the vibrant animation are highlights, but the film’s pacing issues and cliffhanger ending may leave some viewers wanting more. Fans of the “Arthur” series will find it worth watching, but others might find it lacking in depth and closure.
