Around the World in 80 Days around again

Around the World in 80 Days

Director: Frank Coraci

Cast: Steve Coogan, Jackie Chan, Jim Broadbent, Kathy Bates, John Cleese, Owen Wilson

Cert: 12.

When it comes to Hollywood re-making classic films from the past, this one must stand out as the least necessary.

How could any revival of any old film be bettered if it is the l956 highly-awarded Mike Todd epic, which starred David Niven and Cantinflas as the adventurers who bet their club friends that they can circumnavigate the globe in 80 days?

This isn't a bad film, it's just that it doesn't come close to bringing us anything new or better than the wonderful original. Coraci's version of the great Jules Verne story is merely adequate.

That it stars the English comedian Coogan - creator of the brilliantly ghastly TV chat show host, Alan Partridge - indicates the current Disney efforts to turn him into a major star. Problem is, he remains largely unknown in the States, even after this film.

This version is, anyway, geared more towards Chan's portrayal of Fogg's sidekick, Passepartout, and he makes the most of this.

An enjoyable effort all round, then, but not, alas, the hoped-for big summer blockbuster.

Star Rating: 3/5