The Adventurer: The Curse of the Midas Box

I don't understand why this film has received such poor reviews. I personally thought it was a magically fun viewing experience.

The key ingredient to enjoying this film, like other successful films in the past: "Raiders of the Lost Ark" and "National Treasure", is if one can imagine archaeological antiquities holding unimaginable super powers...the door is opened.

The story line was thus believable, production values were high, music kept the pace, and the acting was superb. Aneurin Barnard was fantastic as 'Mariah Mundi'! He has such an interesting and emotional look with the acting chops to really pull off this role (I also loved him in "The White Queen"). Michael Sheen totally pulled of the character of 'Captain Will Charity'. He was hilarious and deeply serious all at the same time. Watch him in "Unthinkable" some time and witness what this thespian has to offer. Lena Headley has cemented her role as a self- seeking witch (I LOVE GAME OF THRONES, but she always plays the 'Cersi' role..branch out babe!). Sam Neil was great as always. And I must give props to the young Xavier Atkins for his portrayal of 'Felix', he was great.

Overall, if you let your children watch films like "Hugo", they will enjoy this one!

This is a good, entertaining, slightly-cheesy, mystery/action movie you can absolutely watch with your kids.

I honestly don't understand the low ratings. Note that it is "Indiana Jones LIKE" in nature, but Indiana Jones it is not. It is not meant to be and it is not meant to be taken too seriously.

What it is, is:

1:Fun 2:Clean 3:Well acted (for the most part. I suspect some characters were meant to be cheesy) 4:well filmed.

I enjoyed it. I feel it's completely safe to watch with young children, and that is a rare thing. I recommend you give this movie a chance, ESPECIALLY if you're a parent looking for something you can watch with your kids that YOU can enjoy at the same time...

I had this movie in mind to watch with my son for a while. My 9 year old son was hesitant to watch it but I had a hitch that he would enjoy it, and wow was I right. This is a great family movie to watch with the kiddos. It provides fantasy and action, in an Indiana Jones type of way. We enjoyed this movie and when it ended my son asked when was the second one coming out. I checked and after seeing this one did poorly in the box office I mentioned to him it was unlikely they would make all the trilogy as at first they intended. We are still having our fingers crossed, as for now we will be reading the books. I highly recommend this movie to watch as a family.

There aren't all that many fantastical genre movies with a 19th century setting. Even less that are original enough not to involve Sherlock Holmes, Dracula or such. So I certainly give The Adventurer points for being a truly new addition to cinematic Gaslight Fantasy and Steampunk. So if you love the Victorian period as well, the aesthetic of this film has something to offer you.

Unfortunately as a whole it doesn't sit that well with me. It's so obviously based on a young adult novel that it's jarring to an older audience. There are family films capable of being loved by all ages, The Adventurer isn't one of these. The story isn't that strong and many characters behave cartoonishly. As the plot advanced I felt myself caring less and less.

Still I do not regret watching it. But if you do see it, manage your expectations.

I am surprised at the other reviewers; I think the one point that most reviewers are missing is that it's a children's movie based on a children's book. My ten year old son loved it. It's hard to find clean action-adventure movies that appeal to boys and this one worked well. Sword fights, near death moments, supernatural content, chase scenes all without excessive gore, cleavage, or foul language.

Several comments have been made about the poor acting. I didn't see that. Come on folks, Sam Niell is the main bad guy.

This movie is available on Netflix. There is a sequel in the making and we'll watch that when it comes out.