Stormbreaker (film)

Stormbreaker (film)
Name	Stormbreaker
Caption	Theatrical release poster
Director	Geoffrey Sax
Producer	Marc Samuelson, Peter Samuelson, Steve Christian
Screenplay	Anthony Horowitz
Based on	''Stormbreaker'', Anthony Horowitz
Starring	Alex Pettyfer, Mickey Rourke, Bill Nighy, Sophie Okonedo, Alicia Silverstone, Ewan McGregor, Stephen Fry
Music	Alan Parker
Cinematography	Chris Seager
Editing	Andrew MacRitchie
Studio	Isle of Man Film, The Weinstein Company, Samuelson Productions
Distributor	Metrodome Distribution (United Kingdom), The Weinstein Company (United States)
Released	2006, 07, 21
Runtime	93 minutes
Country	United Kingdom, United States
Language	English
Budget	$40 million
Gross	$23.9 million

Stormbreaker (film). *Stormbreaker* is a 2006 British-American action spy film directed by Geoffrey Sax and adapted by Anthony Horowitz from his own 2000 young adult novel. The film follows teenage spy Alex Rider, portrayed by Alex Pettyfer, on his first mission for the secretive MI6 against a sinister billionaire. Featuring a supporting cast including Mickey Rourke, Bill Nighy, and Ewan McGregor, the production was a co-venture between Isle of Man Film and The Weinstein Company, aiming to launch a franchise but meeting with mixed critical reception and underwhelming box office results.

Plot

Following the death of his uncle Ian Rider, fourteen-year-old Alex Rider is coerced into service by the deputy head of MI6, Alan Blunt. He is trained at a facility in the Brecon Beacons and given his first mission: to investigate billionaire Darius Sayle, who is donating advanced Stormbreaker computers to every school in the United Kingdom. Posing as a contest winner, Alex infiltrates Sayle's complex in Port Tallon, Cornwall, where he is aided by the housekeeper, Jack Starbright. Alex discovers Sayle's plan to use the computers to release a deadly virus, vengeance for childhood humiliation by the British establishment. After a series of action sequences involving a Triumph motorcycle chase and a confrontation in the London Eye, Alex thwarts the plot with help from his friend Sabina Pleasure.

Cast

* Alex Pettyfer as Alex Rider, a teenage boy recruited as a spy. * Mickey Rourke as Darius Sayle, the vengeful billionaire antagonist. * Bill Nighy as Alan Blunt, the stern deputy head of MI6. * Sophie Okonedo as Mrs. Jones, Blunt's efficient assistant. * Alicia Silverstone as Jack Starbright, Alex's American housekeeper and ally. * Ewan McGregor as Ian Rider, Alex's uncle and an MI6 agent. * Stephen Fry as Smithers, the quirky Q-like gadget master. * Andy Serkis as Mr. Grin, Sayle's imposing, mute henchman. * Missi Pyle as Nadia Vole, Sayle's ruthless security chief. * Sarah Bolger as Sabina Pleasure, Alex's friend. * Damian Lewis as Yassen Gregorovich, a contract killer.

Production

Development began at The Weinstein Company, with Anthony Horowitz writing the screenplay to adapt his popular novel. Director Geoffrey Sax was hired, with principal photography commencing in 2005. Key locations included the Isle of Man, which stood in for Cornwall, and the London Eye for the climax. The production was backed by Isle of Man Film and Samuelson Productions. Special effects were handled by Framestore, creating the film's action sequences and the futuristic Stormbreaker computers. The score was composed by Alan Parker.

Release

The film premiered in the United Kingdom on 21 July 2006, distributed by Metrodome Distribution. It received a limited theatrical release in the United States by The Weinstein Company on 13 October 2006, under the alternative title *Alex Rider: Operation Stormbreaker*. The international rollout included releases across Europe and in Australia. A high-profile premiere was held in London with much of the cast in attendance, but the film faced competition from major summer blockbusters.

Reception

Critical reception was mixed. On Rotten Tomatoes, it holds a 36% approval rating. Reviewers praised the cast, particularly Bill Nighy and Stephen Fry, and the fidelity to the source material, but criticized the film for a predictable plot and lack of originality compared to franchises like James Bond. The performance of lead Alex Pettyfer received divided opinions. At the box office, the film was a financial disappointment, grossing only $23.9 million worldwide against a $40 million budget, which halted plans for sequels adapting later novels like Point Blanc.

Home media

The film was released on DVD and VHS in the United Kingdom in November 2006 by Entertainment in Video. The DVD release included special features such as behind-the-scenes documentaries, a commentary by Geoffrey Sax and Anthony Horowitz, and deleted scenes. A Blu-ray edition was released in later years. In the United States, the home media distribution was handled by Weinstein Company Home Entertainment.

Category:2006 films Category:British spy films Category:American action adventure films Category:Films based on British novels Category:Films directed by Geoffrey Sax