FRENCH director Luc Besson's declared intention to make a movie in every genre brings him to a mostly-animated adventure based on a best-selling children's book that's been translated into 34 languages and sold more than one million copies in France.
The most memorable thing, though, is the voice cast. A movie with De Niro, Madonna and Bowie - even if it is only their vocal power - has to be a little bit special.
The story is topped and tailed by live action sequences as Highmore's young Arthur sets out to save the family home after his grandfather disappears and broke grandmother (Farrow, a rather odd grannie) faces eviction.
His adventures lead him to the underground land of the little people, so tiny they're considered invisible. He joins forces with the local princess Selenia (Madonna) against the evil wizard Maltazard (Bowie), while facing dangerous tasks in his quest to find hidden treasure, the rubies his grandfather had talked about.
The animation is lively and colourful, if a little too cute for some. Highmore makes an appealing young hero, although it's best not to think about Arthur's romance with the princess - Highmore is 14 and Madonna considerably older.
Stars: Freddie Highmore, Mia Farrow and the voices of Madonna, David Bowie, Robert De Niro, Harvey Keitel, Chazz Palminteri, Emilion Estevez, Snoop Dog, Jimmy Fallon
Running time: 93 mins
Rating: Three stars
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