ALEX RIDER: OPERATION STORMBREAKER

by debbie lynn elias

For those of you not familiar with the Anthony Horowitz series of preteen novels starring teen super sleuth Alex Rider, I strongly suggest you run, not walk, to your nearest library and bookstore and familiarize both yourself and your kids with this junior James Bond.  Already a compilation of thus far, five best sellers, (4.4million copies in the US alone and more than nine million worldwide since the series debut in 2001), Alex Rider is a preteen phenomenon, which means it was only a matter of time before Hollywood got its hand in the cookie jar.  But this is one time, you’ll get no complaints from me with a book to film adaptation as ALEX RIDER: OPERATION STORMBREAKER is actually one of the most enjoyable family films of the year.

Alex Rider is your typical 14 year old.  Between school and his friends, he’s pretty oblivious to the world around him.  Under the care of his Uncle Ian Rider since a small boy, Alex’s life has been one of comfort thanks to his uncle’s unassuming, yet somehow always exciting,  position as a banker - or so he thought.  In the blink of an eye, Alex’s world is turned upside down when his uncle is murdered by Russian assassin, Yassen Gregorovich.    Now why would a Russian assassin want to kill Alex’s mild-mannered uncle?  Well, it seems that Uncle Ian wasn’t your typical uncle.  Uncle Ian was actually a super spy working for the special operations division of the British Secret Intelligence Service, M16 and it was on his way back from his latest assignment that Gregorovich got lucky and took out Rider with a single shot.  With his uncle now dead, Alex soon finds himself the heir-apparent to super spydom.

Super computers known as Stormbreakers have been put into play by the evil eccentric billionaire, Darrius Sayle.   Extremely high tech virtual reality computers, Sayle has infected the Stormbreakers with a virus aimed at killing  millions and millions of children across Great Britain - and wherever else his crime spree may take him.  (Seems Darrius is still a bit disgruntled over his days in a British boarding school where he earned the nickname of Darrius Smells.)   And now with Ian Rider gone, it falls on M16 to come up with a replacement in time to stop Sayle and his evil plot.  With a little conniving, M16 soon tricks Alex into filling Uncle Ian’s shoes and place him undercover in an effort to thwart Sayle and save the world.

With the finesse and style of James Bond and some nifty-neat gadgetry (although the Spy Kids have better), Alex soon finds himself embroiled in the adventure of a lifetime as he crosses the British Isles racing against time.  Suddenly, all the adventures he had with his uncle make sense. Uncle Ian had spent his life grooming Alex to take over for him in the spy world.  Will he live up to his Uncle’s faith in him?  And why did the Russians kill Uncle Ian?  What do they stand to gain in this caper?  Will Alex stop Sayle and the Stormbreakers?  Will his first mission be his last?  

Alex Pettyfer splashes onto the spy scene with the debonair charm of a young Sean Connery ...or that of co-star Ewan McGregor.  Hand picked by author and screenwriter Anthony Horowitz from some 500 boys who auditioned for the role, Alex’s natural athleticism certainly aided in the casting process.  A possible poster child for extreme sports, from mountain climbing to martial arts, horseback riding and even scuba diving, the physical demands of playing Alex Rider are believed to be once of most demanding ever undertaken by a child actor.  Heir apparent to the world of kid spies, Pettyfer makes his big screen debut here and is an absolute delight.  With a twinkle in his eye, a toss of blonde hair and oh so stylish dress, he is a young James Bond.  Mothers look out.  There’s a new teen idol in the offing.   His charismatic delivery has the polish of a Sean Connery one-liner at its best.  And his natural athleticism bodes well in the role.   Between the action adventure and his picture perfect looks, there’s something to interest boys and girls alike. 

And what about the adults?  Well gals, you needn’t worry because while the younger set has Alex Pettyfer to drool over, us more mature women have the delicious Ewan McGregor.   One of my possible choices to replace Pierce Brosnan as James Bond, McGregor proves that the force is still with him as he gives super spy Ian Rider a natural carefree ease that is a joy to watch.    And for you dads out there, take heed because everyone’s favorite Bat Girl, Alicia Silverstone, comes on board as Jack Starbright, Alex’s “nanny” and substitute guardian.  Still able to hold her own, Silverstone kicks butt with the best of them!    But what about the evil Darrius Sayle?   Mickey Rourke is absolutely giddy with glee in the role.  It fits him like a glove.  And one of my favorite casting coups, Robbie Coltrane, the lovable Hagrid from the Harry Potter franchise, steps in as the British Prime Minister.

Anthony Horowitz does an impeccable job of translating his book to the screen.   With an intimate knowledge of the characters, his love of James Bond is apparent as glimpses and glimmers of notable Bond characters are found sprinkled throughout the Rider tale.   Never pandering down to the audience, the dialogue is for the most part witty and laced with often dry self-deprecating humor.  And he clearly has his pulse on the teen beat and their craving for adventure and action.  So cognizant of the story and the character, Horowitz even changes a chase sequence from Alex driving a car to his riding a horse because of his not being old enough to drive!  Keeping the story fast-paced, yet interesting (and obviously law abiding), Horowitz has something for everyone.

Director Geoffrey Sax, fresh from the intriguing work, “White Noise”, seems to stay in step with Horowitz’ vision, although there are several scenes that seemed over-done in the ham department.  Combining Chris Seager’s cinematography with Andrew MacRitchie’s skillful editing, the result is a crisp and fast-paced invincibility.  While lacking the obvious big budget effects and gimmicky gadgetry of Spy Kids or even Cody Banks (although Rider’s gadgets are still spy cool), the film has a kid-friendly confidence that will bode well in continuing the Alex Rider franchise on the big screen.

Directed by Geoffrey Sax.  Written by Anthony Horowitz based on the novel by Anthony Howoritz.  Rated Pg.  (93 min)