The Adventurer: The Curse of the Midas Box

Director Jonathan Newman scored a terrific cast for what had the potential to be a really fascinating combination of The Mummy and Harry Potter -- with handsome Mariah (looking like a younger, taller Elijah Wood) coming into his own as a teen Indiana Jones type. Unfortunately, the movie's plot is overly packed with intrigue and detail that will make it difficult for even adult audiences to follow. Despite the presence of excellent actors like Sam Neill and Michael Sheen -- who seem up for absolutely any kind of film, regardless of genre -- the story doesn't quite gel until the very end, at which point the weighed-down plot has made the film seem an hour longer than it's 98 minutes.

But there's something to be said for a movie that makes kids think more and pay strict attention. Older tweens and young teens who can handle the darker scenes of violence and the topsy turvy plot lines may appreciate that although it's not the zippiest adventure, it's not a complete misfire. And while it's doubtful there should be a sequel, at least viewers may be inspired to read the source book, visit a museum, or learn more about ancient artifacts.