Film review: The Thief Lord

Release date

26 May (PG)

The stars

The film stars loads of young British actors including Rollo Weeks, Aaron Johnson and Jasper Harris.

The plot

Two orphan brothers are on the run from their aunt and uncle Esther and Max Hartlieb (Carole Boyd and Bob Goody). Prosper (Aaron Johnson) rescues six-year-old Bo (Jasper Harris) from their clutches after the wicked couple decided to adopt Bo and send Prosper, 15, to live in an orphanage.

The boys end up in the city of Venice where they are rescued by Scipio (Rollo Weeks) who takes them to a deserted cinema where he lives with three other orphans - Ricco (George MacKay), Hornet (Alice Connor) and Mosca (Lathaniel Dyer).

Scipio is a Robin Hood figure who wears a scary beak-like mask. He says he only robs from the rich to keep his friends in food and clothes.

He sells the goods on to a mean and nasty local dealer called Barbarosa (Alexi Sayle) who always tries to give the children less money than the goods are worth.

The band of thieves are rumbled when the Hartliebs hire a private detective called Victor (Jim Carter) but the big-hearted snoop decides to help the boys instead.

Scipio's reputation as a top thief leads to Barbarosa asking him to steal a wooden wing to complete a magical merry-go-round which can make people older or younger. This quest takes the children on a mystical adventure around the ancient Italian city.

As the story unfolds dark secrets come to light and even the famous Scipio has something to hide.

Best bits

The scene where Bo is having dinner with the Hartliebs after being recaptured by them is funny. As a protest he tips his massive ice cream sundae all over his brand new suit.

The high-speed boat chase between Scipio and the Italian police is also quite cool, as it makes a nice change to car chases.

Any weak bits?

The film, which is based on a book of the same name, is quite complicated and sometimes it feels like there are too many storylines to get into. Also, you don't feel you get to know the characters that well so you might finish the film feeling a little bit dissatisfied.

Hit or miss?

It's fast, fun and a little bit spooky so will probably appeal to younger children. But there appears to be a few gaps in the plot which could annoy older viewers.

NR rating:

This review is now closed for comments. Check the Reviews page for other reviews.

Your Comments

This is really disappointing, and nothing compared to the book. The makers of the film have got the feel of the roundabout completely wrong.

Rose, 10, Belfast

It's a great film that never gets boring and it's a shame that not many people know about it.

Jemma, 9, Barnsley

I thought The Thief Lord was great although it was too short. I especially liked the boat chase.

Jacob, 10, Burnley

This is a wonderful film. I read the book quite recently and I loved it. The film kept to the book very well, and the actors cast for each part suited the character they were playing very well.

Jennifer, 10, Kingston

I loved it! I think that the plot is quite complex and they managed to pull it off even if the story was changed a little, it is hard to make a film from a book because there is always much more than can fit into 100 minutes. I think Scipio (Rollo Weeks) and Prosper (Aaron Johnson) were fabulous and they both made their characters believable, I was near to tears in the scenes with Scipio and his father! If I had to fault it, I would say that the actor who played Barbaosa wasn't very good. On the whole I loved this film and I intend to go and see it again soon.

Alice, 14, Liverpool

The Thief Lord is really good for families to watch together.

Rachel, 10, Burnley

I haven't seen the movie yet but I've read the book a dozen million times, and I'm going to see it on the release day with my cousins for her birthday!! So I'm totally looking forward to it!!!! Scipio is such an awesome character.

Emma, 14, Cardiff