Stormbreaker

When you are only 14, would you let everything go, become a spy and answer the call to save the world?

That was the question posed to Alex Rider (Alex Pettyfer) in the movie based on the novel by Anthony Horowitz, Stormbreaker, when his uncle, Ian Rider (Ewan MacGregor) dies in the line of spying.

Little did young Alex know that all the extreme sports he has been doing with his uncle was a training for a bigger destiny, that is, saving the world from a social misfit named Darrius Sayle (Bill Nighy), who is on the verge of releasing a new computer software called, surprise surprise, Stormbreaker.

Beware. The Stormbreaker is not just any software. It is bound to release a virus that could kill millions of people, mostly schoolchildren.

Alex cuts across as any of your next door neighbour's kid. His parents have passed away; he knows nothing of them. His uncle Ian, is always away and hence, the only person who actually takes care of him is the housekeeper, Jack Starbright (Alicia Silverstone).

But he holds a black belt in karate. That's why you should brace yourselves, as Stormbreaker will provide non-stop action; more so, with Donnie Yen as the martial arts choreographer. Watch out for some sleek moves.

Humour is also not in short supply as the less prominent characters provide several funny scenes, e.g. Nighy's henchwoman, Nadia Vole (Missi Pyle), who sounds like a German and looks like a mannequin come to life. Do not miss her battle with Silverstone. Period.

Aside from MacGregor and Silverstone, another big name in this movie is Andy Serkis, who plays the role of Sayle's right-hand man, Mr Grin. Known better for his exploits in The Lord of The Rings trilogy, his character is nothing like his name. His features make him the ideal person for a villaineous role. But it isn't all just dark.

Pettyfer and Sarah Bolger (Sabina Pleasure) are young upstarts in this movie, and, in combining with the more established players in the field, produce a film worthy of a four-star rating. Something I did not quite expect, at least because I didn't know what Stormbreaker was about. Call it, impulsive viewing.

But don't just take my word for it. Go watch it. Satisfaction guaranteed.