The Thief Lord is a tale of two orphan brothers who escape to Venice and befriend a gang of street children. Based on the book by Cornelia Funke (author of Inkheart), the movie is a fun fantasy adventure about family, youth and magic.

The young cast work well together, although let down by Scipio, a whiny character trying, and failing, to be Peter Pan. Initially hunted by private detective Victor, they soon befriend him, united against Bo’s wicked aunt and uncle.

The script lacks the sophistication of Funke’s novel, however still captures the adventure at the heart of this children’s story.

Jo Bradley.