Cornelia Funke's popular book for tweenies became a rather lacklustre movie, despite its luscious Venice setting. Orphaned boy Prosper (Johnson, now better known for his role in grown-up comic book adventure Kick Ass) steals his younger mop-haired brother Bo (Harris) from their nasty aunt and uncle, and the pair escape to Venice and a new life. Lost amongst the winding streets and canals, they are befriended by teenage Scopio (Rollo Weeks), who steals from the rich to support a rag-tag group of kids who live in an abandoned cinema.
Unfortunately none of the kids in this tale have much character to speak of, and the fantasy parts of the film (there's a very special fairground ride that provides the movie's twist) come a little late in the proceedings. Younger viewers may like watching the kids running riot about town, but older ones won't be impressed by the fact all the Italians have English accents or by the sub-Harry Potter magical moments.
Is The Thief Lord suitable for kids? Here are our parents’ notes...
Nothing should scare the over 10s this is aimed at but younger viewers will probably find the film too dark, and the idea of kids out on their own a little scary.
If you like this, why not try: Harry Potter And The Philosopher's Stone, Lemony Snicket's A Series Of Unfortunate Events, Coraline, Alice In Wonderland 2010, Oliver Twist,