GREAT snakes! What an adventure young Tintin and his quick-thinking terrier Snowy take us on in Steven Spielberg's long-awaited adventure epic.
With foul-breathed, bottle-swinging Captain Haddock in-tow, the gang set sail for high-sea hi-jinx and bountiful lost treasure as they make their way to the exotic Moroccan port of Bagghar.
Derived from several comic books created by Belgian artist Hergé (who makes an animated cameo in the opening scene, no doubt delighting dedicated readers), there really isn't anything to fault about this visually dazzling 3D offering.
The escapade is fast and fun-filled and I - and the pensioner next to me, who jumped and 'ahhed' at every effect - can contest the animation is truly remarkable.
Unfortunately, however, some of the magic of this popular slice of nostalgia was lost on this Tintin novice.
Our leading man with the unmistakeable quiff voiced by handsome Jamie Bell, all grown up since his Billy Elliot days - so clean-cut and downright dull - could really do with a quirk in my mind.
It doesn't have to be mysterious or sordid - perhaps a stutter? - anything to make him a little more interesting (no wonder why Captain Haddock turns to drink).
Luckily, UK's favourite duo-of-laughs Simon Pegg and Nick Frost are on board as bumbling detectives Thomson and Thompson. On the hunt for a picket pocket, who turns out to be nothing more than a kleptomaniac with a penchant for well-made wallets, they provide a good chuckle or two.
Spielberg first acquired rights to produce a film based on the comic series following Hergé's death in 1983 and fans of the flame-haired man-child will celebrate the super-director's efforts.
THE Adventures of Tintin: The Secret of the Unicorn (PG)
Directed by: Steven Spielberg
Starring: Jamie Bell, Andy Serkis, Daniel Craig
Rating: Four stars
Screening: from December 26
Reviewed by: Sara Fitzpatrick