Stormbreaker Movie
Storyline
TAGLINES
You're never too young to die.
Rule the school. Save the world.
You're never too young to dare.
Based on the first of the best-selling series of Alex Rider novels by Anthony Horowitz, STORMBREAKER introduces the reluctant teenage super-spy to cinema audiences. After the death of his uncle, the 14-year-old hero is forced by the Special OperationsDivision of Britain's secret intelligence service, MI6, for a mission which will save millions of lives.
| Sarah Bolger | Sabina Pleasure |
| Robbie Coltrane | Prime Minister |
| Stephen Fry | Smithers |
| Damian Lewis | Yassen Gregorovich |
| Ewan McGregor | Ian Rider |
| Bill Nighy | Alan Blunt |
| Sophie Okonedo | Mrs. Jones |
| Alex Pettyfer | Alex Rider |
| Missi Pyle | Nadia Vole |
| Mickey Rourke | Darrius Sayle |
| Andy Serkis | Mr. Grin |
| Alicia Silverstone | Jack Starbright |
| Ashley Walters | Wolf |
| Alex Barrett | Gary |
| Richard Huw | Teacher |
| Geoffrey Sax |
5.30 out of 10 (2965 votes)
Visitor Reviews
Hilarious and thrilling! The Real Deal... Brilliant entertainment!
posted on 26 Aug 2009I was amazed by the high quality of this movie, and by how much I genuinely enjoyed it. I don't know anything about the Stormbreaker comic books, video games, or other geek, dork, nerd or teenage fetishes. Thus, I was a bit hesitant to go, after reading so many reader posts on the IMDb message boards regarding such topics. Because I like and respect Bill Nighy and Steven Fry and Alicia Silverstone so much, I decided to chance it. I was a bit shocked, not just that I endured it, nor even that it was somehow 'OK', but rather by the absolute top-notch and 'Speilberg-esque' high quality it was! I'd only say that because of the bubble-gummer advance buzz, though. Without that, I'd have just said it was excellent and stupendous, etc.True, the male lead is a kid. He plays a 14 year-old. Just now, after having seen it, I checked online, and that kid really was only 15 when the movie was filmed. Dang! Kid seemed more like 20. But whatever. I had expected a bit of smugness--- like a 'Cody Banks' teenie-bopper thing. There wasn't any.This movie had a great sense of humor--- Bill Nighy was hilarious! Steven Fry was dry and droll and delightful as ever. And Alicia Silverstone was feminine AND strong at the same time. She was at her charming best. I note this because at times she has been asked to portray some really--- let's say, to be polite--- 'cranky' ladies. Not this time. What a babe! Missy Pyle--- whom we first saw in the wonderful 'Galaxy Quest', was also a hoot. The overall tone wasn't a spoof, but did have a satisfying sense of wonder, which is a near neighbor to whimsy.I will state now that I do NOT like James Bond movies, and I find the Mission Impossible series tedious and terribly smug and dull. The gadgets and spy stuff here was clever and engaging, in contrast. Dunno how they did that, exactly. Note the subtle humor in 'Spy Kids', and the 'Raiders of the Lost Ark' and 'The Last Crusade'. That type of humor totally respects the audience, as does 'Stormbreaker'. That type of a real sense of 'fun', without resorting to the annoying narcissism that can characterize so many 'concept' movies, or movies with kids who think they are TOOOOO cool. You know, the Tragically Hip.So--- 'Stormbreaker' was thrilling, truly. It was delightful--- Micky O-Rouke hasn't been this good in... forever? All the other great actors doing their bits, however small, merely added to it. The actual kids (sorry if you're 14 or 15 yourself, but hey, by definition, that's a 'kid') were in NO way annoying. They just seemed to be likable, talented, and gutsy. It was funny, it was exciting... but I repeat myself.Bottom line: a great and worthwhile piece of movie mastery for ALL audiences! I gave it a well deserved 10 out of 10. Go see it--- you'll have a great time.
Absolutely a movie that you have to see
posted on 20 Aug 2009I watched this movie yesterday and I had high expectations. I've read the books and I think that they are great. So I thought that this movie could be very cool. Well, this movie completely lived my expectations. The action was great, the special effects were superb and the story remained intact. Also the huge line-up of great actors was wonderful. The new talent, Alex Pettyfer was absolutely like how I imagined Alex when I read the books. And even that there were changed some scenes, it doesn't matter, because the changes are perfect for a movie like this. The only reason that I won't give this movie a 10 is that a movie never can bring a book completely as it should have been. But, even if you haven't read the books this should be a perfect movie for you, for your children, for everyone.
full of fun
posted on 18 Aug 2009This is a great movie and Alex is extremely good looking.Yeah in no I'm a massive fan. You may recognise Alex he was in tom browns school days on new years day i cant comment on this as i unfortunately missed it. However Antony Horwitz is a great writer and i believe has written five books if this film is successful they will make them all into films so people you have to go and see it! The story without wrecking it is: Alex parents died when he was little, so he goes to live with his uncle (ian rider).One day hes go to school and has to speak bout his life and says his uncle works in a bank.However when he gets home he has a very unexpected surprise.Frm that day on his life will never be the same. He has lived with the housekeeper since he moved to his uncle house. Who is very attached to him and tries her best to keep him out of trouble but that is nothing for the horror that lies ahead of her....
the best spy movie ever!!!
posted on 16 Aug 2009I loved the movie.the opening is fantastic and and sets the standard for the entire movie i've read the books and can't believe how well the actor played the characters,i wish all book to film movies were as good as this one.i wouldn't show it to very young children because i watched with my five year old cousin and the jellyfish scene scared him so much.i think it's a great movie for anyone who isn't scared of water or sea-life.i can't wait till they make the next in the series and if they use the same actor they'll be great.
Very Disappointing
posted on 02 Aug 2009Being a huge fan of the Alex Rider novels, I must say that I was very anxious about this film before even seeing it. Most novel to film adaptations are disappointing, and i'm sorry to say that Stormbreaker was no different.The secret, realistic world of espionage that Anthony Horowitz created in the novels, is almost completely thrown out the window in favor of the sought of fantasy spy world you might seen in Agent Cody Banks or Spy Kids. Where the world is nice, shiny and filled with gadgets. I think anyone will find themselves sighing as they watch this film, as this 14 year old boy pulls of impossible move, after impossible moves. This is a real shame, because the novels we're so believable.The acting is at best "okay" with quite a bit of bad dialog. Characters are presented totally different to what they were like in the novel, and some moments come across lame due to some poor attempts at slapstick comedy (which even if they had pulled it of, these moments are completely inappropriate).The good things I can say about this film is that there is plenty of action, as unbelievable as it may be, which is always fun to watch and despite the dodgy interpretation of the novels, Mr. Horowitz' screenplay compresses the books events rather that remove them, which is a pleasant change. He does however change and add quite a few things, which I know will annoy quite a few fans of the book.In conclusion, if you enjoyed the novels, this movie will annoy the hell out of you. If you have never heard about Alex rider before this, then you might have a bit of a thrill from the action, but overall will be let down by the bad dialog, odd (without actually meaning to be?) characters and fantasy of it all. All up, I can only give this a 3.
A Good Action Movie for the Family!
posted on 21 Jul 2009Stormbreaker (2006, Dir. Geoffrey Sax)Alex Rider thinks he is a normal school boy. That is until his uncle is killed. He discovers that his uncle was actually spy on a mission, when he was killed. Alex is recruited by Alan Blunt to continue the mission. He is sent to Cornwall to investigate a new computer system, which Darrius Sayle has created. He plans to give every school in the country, the new computer systems, but Mr. Blunt believe he has other ideas, and Alex must find out what it is.If you have already read and enjoyed the Alex Rider books, then you are obviously going to enjoy this. Its like a children's version of 'Casino Royale'. It's based on Alex Rider's first mission as a teenage spy, and this film treats it as a real spy film. The stunts are fun to watch and although aren't exactly explosive, are still fun to watch. The story is easy to understand and doesn't go on for too long. The British film, also boasts a fantastic combination of cast. British stars such as Bill Nighy and Damian Lewis, mix with American talent like Missi Pyle and Mickey Rourke. Alex Pettyfer also gives a good performance as Alex Rider, and although some moments seem cheesy, he give a very good portrayal of the role. If you enjoy spy films and want something a little lighter to watch on a wet afternoon, then 'Stormbreaker' is a good film to watch."Don't do that!" - Mr. Smither (Stephen Fry) "Why? Is it dangerous?" - Alex Rider (Alex Pettyfer) "No, but it is very annoying." - Mr. Smither (Stephen Fry)
The Best Movie Of The Year!!!!
posted on 19 Jul 2009Storm breaker is a brilliant movie and although people are saying that it is for 10-year-olds,I am 13 and i enjoyed the movie so much, Not just because Alex Pettyfer plays the lead role but because it is so action packed and still with all the bad reports about storm-breaker it was a GREAT movie and i cant wait until Point Blanc. Me And my friend went to see it and she even thought it was a great movie (considering the fact that we both love him)But still i think that overall the movie was great and all the bad reports are wrong, So just ignore ALL of the bad reports it is Great( I Would recommend this movie to people of all ages )!!!! !!!!! !!!!
A total waste of talent!
posted on 15 Jul 2009Have just seen this movie and it is a total waste of time and effort. Cant blame the actors because the script was terrible. The movie is similar to Spy Kids 3 and could be compared to the animated series of James Bond Jr. I had a hard time understanding the plot, and I'm an adult. Do not let your children see this movie, I rather let kids see the real James bond flicks than this rubbish.I don't know what the studios these days are aiming at, but claiming that this type of film should be rated as a family flick is wrong. Don't underestimate the intelligence of children, the producers certainly do.The plot is hard to understand but it is quite easy to distinguish the good guys from the bag guys. The good guys are funny looking and stupid. The evil guys are stupid and looking like cruella de ville. The fighting moves are inspired from "The Transporter" and the theme from James Bond flicks.
Stormbreaker
posted on 13 Jul 2009me and my mates have seen this film and we all think it's awesome!!! it'll keep you on the edge of your seat! it's action packed, thrilling and exciting!!! we can't get over how fit Alex Pettyfer is, he plays Alex Rider in the film. he is absolutely stunning and i hope there's lots of other films coming out that hes in!!!!!!!! we give it a 10/10 defiantly worth watching! the whole cast and grew worked really well together. there is nothing else for me to say but i am writing this because my comment isn't 10 lines long but i still want it to be read. once you have read this comment please vote for the film and give it 10!!! because thats what it's worth!!!!!
Witty, action-packed, and a brilliant showcase for British cinema??? you have got 2 be kidding me.
posted on 05 Jul 2009OK.. in my opinion,the review above is misleading,i mean maybe the person who saw this movie really liked it,but 2 look at it from a overall view,this is a movie that should never have hit the cinema,it should just have been released straight to DVD/WHS.for starters the acting is awful,Ewan McGregor delivers as usual good acting,but he ain't in the movie for that long.Alicia Silverstone delivers an OK performance,but it seems like shes been away from acting for way 2 long.Alex Pettyfer delivers quite good performance,and i would agree that he could have a decent shot of becoming a good actor in the future.Mickey Rourke is old... hes old but still one of the coolest actors,i do believe that no one could play the bad guy as he does in this movie,but that doesn't save this movie sadly.when you look at this movie from a standard now a days,the animations are awful they don't feel realistic,i know this is a family movie,but at least they could have made the effects better,it ain't that dam expensive 2 do.if you have seen the Harry Potter movies,and loved em like i did,from an adult view,don't bother wasting you money on the cinema for this movie,your just gonna feel disappointed,an think "was that it??" wait for the next harry potter or Point Blanc! and hope they have gotten a better cast,and have learned from they first mistake.i cant really stop thinking "was the person who wrote the first review,payed for saying such good things about this movie??,this movie almost is just as shitty,as the Keanu Reeves movie The Watcher". witch reminds me,newer 2 buy a DVD before actually have seen the movie.
James Bond for kids? - I doubt it
posted on 03 Jul 2009What can anyone see that's good in this film? Plot: basic - could possibly have been made into a better film if the villains' motivation could be made convincing Characterisation: virtually non-existent. Everyone was a broad caricature.Acting: overacted or non-existent. May be the fault of the director and/or the script. Particularly, what was with the villainess's accent and snarling expressions? Or were they meant to be facial twitches? The best bit was Robbie Coltrane doing a Tony Blair/David Cameron impression.Action was functional but no tension was built at all. So much of it made me think it was a spoof but it lacked the humour.I understand that the film is aimed at teenagers (or at least that the books were) but I had been led to believe that it was reasonably entertaining for adults as well. This was definitely not the case, and I find it hard to believe that teenagers would like it either. Maybe it's for younger children.It would be interesting to see the reviewers' ages to find out whether it is young people who have given this film the ridiculously high scores that it has.For the record, I am 30 and I watched it with my 23-year-old fiancée, who also thought it was the worst film she'd seen for a long time.In short, I recommend you not to watch this film.
Exciting adventure!
posted on 01 Jul 2009This film is about a young teenager becoming an agent for the secret services, after his uncle got killed while working as a spy in the secret services.Before watching the film, I thought that the lead character was called stormbreaker, but in fact it was the name of a computer! Anyway, the film is very good. We get treated with a lot of well composed martial arts scenes, car chases, missile launches and helicopter scenes. Throughout the whole film, the action continues and grasps the attention of the viewers. Towards the end, I got so gripped with what is about top happen that my palms sweated! The plot is great, not very believable but not outright outrageous. The story flows seamlessly and is exciting. The James Bond style gadgets are interesting and not too ridiculous. However, I find the plot twist at the very end too artificial in the sense that it too obviously creates a room for sequel.This film is exciting and provides great entertainment!
S**t
posted on 25 Jun 2009Don't waste your money.... or time if you're seeing it for free. And apparently you have to write more than ten lines for a comment. So I'll elaborate.... Stormbreaker is without doubt, one of the worse film's I have ever seen. Others in my very special '1' category, are Date Movie, and House of the Dead, it really is in that order of things.It's a shame really, the supposed 'all-star' cast may fool you into thinking it is something to challenge James Bond, not least the article in last month's Empire exclaiming it is 'The new James Bond' Ewan McGregor, Mickey Rourke, Stephen Fry, Alicia Silverstone, Andy Serkis, Bill Nighy, these are all Big Names! Nighy's just come off the back of an Academy Award nomination deserving role on Pirates 2! Yet sadly the film appears as if all the actors arrived on set, were given the whole script, having previously only read a couple of lines. After one day on set, they cleverly called it a day! That's why all the big names characters either Die incredibly early into the bore-fest, or only come in for the last 20 minutes (Which by the way cant come fast enough, roll on the credits!) The only one who spent more than one day on set was Nighy, who I wouldn't mind wagering had one foot in the plane before they landed another huge paycheck in his lap!There, i don't want to talk about exactly why the film is so terrible, and don't want to think about it either. This comment will probably not be useful to anyone seeing as I'm telling you not to go see the film, but not telling you why. Therefore you will just see it anyway, and Be extremely disappointed anyway, I'm sure! But that's your choice, i cant blame you for it. I made the same mistake.Lets just hope the UK Film Council start funding some half-way decent films, otherwise nothing will ever come out of the industry again!
One For The Kids
posted on 19 Jun 2009If you have read the Alex Rider books, or as I have, grown up with them, this film may be a disappointment. First of all, there are several crucial elements of the story that have been altered, and for no apparent reason. The change from Herod to Darrius is irrelevant, and one can't help but think that Mickey Rourke didn't give his best shot at the part. It was lethargic, uninteresting and not the sort of anti-hero we would even root for for a second. The addition of Sarah Bolger as Sabina Pleasure is pointless as she makes no crucial contribution to the story, apart from providing the 'deus ex machina' for Alex to foil Sayles plans (Well actually, it was just her horse).For an Oscar winning actress, Sophie Okenedo gives a poor performance that doesn't sit her ruthless, but redemptive character (Mrs Jones). Generally the film is laugh out loud ridiculous and a shame for avid readers of the books, with Alex often coming across as a psychopath who can't help but hurt others, as opposed to a normal kid who was dragged into M16 kicking and screaming.There are good points however. Bill Nighy gives a fantastic performance as Alan Blunt, completely unlike the character of the books, but genuinely funny. Damian Lewis looks like he is having a lot of fun, and he has always been a very creative and versatile actor. Alicia Silverstone and Missi Pyle give strong, entertaining performances also, Pyle's range seems to grow with every film. Ewan McGregor is wasted in his single scene, and to my utter surprise, Jimmy Carr has a cameo that proves that a transition from Comedy to drama is perfectly feasible.And of course there is Alex Pettyfer himself. He will become a very big star of the future. he's good looking, confident and has got delightful golden locks. He handles the action scenes with maturity beyond his years. Yet he is too confident, too good looking and doesn't for a second look 14. In the scenes where he isn't fighting and in 'extended peril', he looks as if he desperately doesn't want to be there. He gave a very credible performance in 'Tom Brown's schooldays' but I feel that his transition from TV to film was too soon.Basically, if you don't take the books or film too seriously, you will enjoy yourself. Childrenm from 9 - 13 will enjoy it regardless, if they are into that kind of stuff. it is certainly, 'One For The Kids'.
Asolutely Spectacular Performances (And Believable!)
posted on 01 Jun 2009Is there a 12 out of 10 available? LOL To start off, you may have read in the above comments things like "Alex Pettyfer was too old for the part" or "The movie was untrue to the Book". I will now address each and every one to prove them wrong."Alex Pettyfer was too old" - okay firstly he is indeed now 16 but at the time of the filming of Stormbreaker he was only 15 which realistically is ONE year older than Alex Rider, the fictional character upon which this movie was based."Untrue to the book" - okay yeah it wasn't identical but there are some things that just can't be done on the screen. In a lot of the situations in the book the true meaning of the events that were unfolding were presented in the format of Alex Rider's thoughts, thoughts that can easily be revealed to the audience in a book but it is impossible to do so in the book. There are some things from the book that could have been used but weren't for the simple reason that new ideas did arise and the seemed better than that of the ideas written in the book. So basically they were trying to make it into a big blockbuster and frankly I think they succeeded."Alex Rider was too good at the spy thing considering he was only a 14 year old kid" - I disagree. The only really extraordinary things he did could be explained by his upbringing filled with extreme sports.Bike Chase - He is good on a bike, sometimes it happens that way with kids who practically live on them! HELLO! Rope Fighting Scene - He is a black belt in karate which is not so unbelievable. It happens, people achieve a black belt when they are way younger than 14.Sky Diving from Helicopter - You can't tell me that in all of the extreme sports that Alex obviously tried that Sky Diving was not among them! All of these stunts are believable - yeah sure they are improbable but they sure aren't impossible! Furthermore, the fact that the screenplay was written by Anthony Horowitz himself should be enough reassurance for die-hard fans that he took out what he needed to, was wise enough not to attempt the impossible, added only what was needed and stayed true to the characters and their personalities.And for those of you that are upset about the fact that the character of Sabina Pleasure was prematurely added into the movie - it was deemed necessary. If you pay close attention, you will notice that without her character's presence several situations would have been even more so unrealistic and improbable.These situations include the ride through-out Piccidilly and on top of Sayle's Tower.Alex Rider can do almost anything...except ride a horse. Thus Sabina steps in giving the thrill of a horse chase - a few more stunt scenes - while still giving Alex a way to reach Darius Sayle's tower.And at the top of Sayle's Tower - who saves Alex's life when he was just about to be shot by Darrius? Sabina. She doesn't really play the damsel in distress and as mentioned provides a way for the movie to plan out in a more believable and entertaining way.All in all a fine movie with pushed limits but knew when to hold back.P.S - Alex Pettyfer brought the whole thing together. As Anthony Horowitz mentions himself in the extra's of the DVD - You can employ the best cast, have the best crew but in the end if the 14 boy at the heart of it isn't right for the role you may as well go home. The movie would have been a total flop if it weren't for Alex Pettyfer's performances in both stunts and important scenes that are crucial to the plot. He's not just a pretty face despite what a lot of people seem to think.
Complete waste of time
posted on 30 May 2009Film review: Stormbreaker Cast: Mickey Rourke, Sarah Bolger, Ewan McGregor, Alicia Silverstone and Alex Pettyfer'You're never too young to die' Stormbreaker tells the story of a teenage boy's quest to avenge his uncle's murder at the hands of a terrorist network. It's the typical high-octane cloak-and-dagger, espionage story. Ian Rider, an MI6 undercover operative, is desperately trying to unravel a terrorist plot. The villain, played by Mickey Rourke has developed hi-tech computers, carrying a deadly viral strain, to infect schoolchildren across England. It's his form of payback to England, for having to endure emotional torment while he was a student. When super-agent Rider is killed, his nephew is enlisted by the agency to infiltrate the enemy operation. Alicia Silverstone plays Alex's dutiful caretaker. The film was a complete blow-out however. It fails to translate a decent script into a meaningful screenplay for starters. It then renders itself completely redundant with a series of nonsensical scenarios, poor acting and a mangled plot. Stormbreaker obviously got lost somewhere between made-for-television networks and cinema distributors – ultimately finding itself hopelessly out of its depth on the big screen. In its defence however younger audiences will no doubt find some entertainment value in this hullabaloo. This film is based on the first of the Alex Rider novels by Anthony Horowitz.
Fantastic!
posted on 30 May 2009Fast paced and action packed, Stormbreaker is thoroughly enjoyable. The casting was superb, no doubt. But there definitely wasn't enjoy of Stephen Fry or Jimmy Carr! And Mickey Rourke was a little out of place as the villain! Andy Serkis and Missi Pyle were fantastic too! Silverstone.... not so sure, but she still did some great acting. I did, however, find the humour a bit stifled. It definitely wasn't as humorous as the book, in the way that many of the jokes or funny lines delivered weren't delivered in a way that made you want to laugh. There was definitely some humour thrown in, though (pidgeons, blowfish etc.) I also thought quite a few points in the movie were rushed, or had no depth; for example there wasn't much depth with Alex's gadgets, which was okay I suppose, but I'd liked to have seen more. Also some of the characters were not portrayed or given much of a storyline. We saw very little of Crawford for example, and Mrs. Jones character wasn't what I expected, from reading the book (where were her peppermints!?) Things like Sabina and Alex's relationship was very skimpy as well, but I suppose they wanted more action and less interruptions. Anyhow, for the main part, there was some very good action and stunt scenes, most exhilarating was the final scene on the rooftop. I really, really liked this, aside from the minor flaws. Great stunts, acting, storyline, soundtrack and very faithful to the book!
Turning Gold into Lead
posted on 22 May 2009I was hoping this movie would faithfully interpret the books into film, as I loved the books. However, they decided to alter the film to and they changed it in a bad way, and really did not bring the image of a teen thrust into danger to the screen. Moreover, the acting did not impress me. It practically put me to sleep. The story lacked continuity, and often the events and the reactions did not go together. Even the ending was confusing to anyone who did not read the books. The action scenes were over the top, with useless footage that annoyed me. Too bad, it could have been a good movie.
nice teen Bond movie, but...
posted on 18 May 2009It's a nice movie, good actors good pace nice dialog that suits the genre well. But I have very big issues with the ending that I find completely unreasonable. I can't say much more without adding a spoiler, which I'd never do still, I think that in order to deliver a point about what the world of spies is like, Horowitz pushed the ending beyond the borders of likelihood. I think this is a poor excuse, since any movie and especially a movie of this sort depends very much on credible plot. The gadgets may be out of this world the stunts may be sheer madness but the reasoning of characters action must be flawless. As I found the ending to fall short in this very aspect, it left me with a bad taste in my mouth and thats a shame.
Nice Effort
posted on 28 Aug 2009"Alex Rider" hopefully is a trend towards more mature and thoughtful adolescent action-adventure movies. While nice in concept and attempt, it suffers from manipulation as one of the headlining actors is killed off early in the movie and the other headlining actress while commendably used throughout the movie, still is relegated to a more secondary role more for tokenism than quality script writing. The movie is erratic in its handling of comedy and drama, lacking a consistent approach to the movie. However, the theme and the attempt to make this more of a serious action-adventure for young adults is apparent and appreciated. Six out of Ten Stars.