This adaptation of the first book in Anthony Horowitz's bestselling Alex Rider series is a British action adventure with Hollywood-style bombast. Alex Pettyfer plays teenager Alex Rider who reluctantly turns superspy to avenge the murder of his uncle (Ewan McGregor). Pettyfer makes a suitably good-looking hero, although occasionally clamping his jaw doesn't really convey the bitter tragedy behind Rider's mission. Damian Lewis plays the assassin responsible for his woes, but, sadly, writer Anthony Horowitz (adapting his own novel) pushes him aside in favour of campy arch-villain Mickey Rourke, who has an obligatory Bond-style shark tank - except this one boasts a giant jellyfish. The film has its flaws, but thankfully director Geoffrey Sax ensures it's never dull. There are lots of audacious stunts featuring quirky gadgets, such as acne cream that eats through steel, and there are extra laughs courtesy of Bill Nighy as a deadpan MI6 official. It all adds up to bright and breezy family viewing.

Alex Rider thinks he is a normal school boy, until his uncle is killed. He discovers that his uncle was actually spy on a mission, when he was killed. Alex is recruited by Alan Blunt to continue the mission. He is sent to Cornwall to investigate a new computer system, which Darrius Sayle has created. He plans to give the new computer systems to every school in the country, but Mr. Blunt has other ideas and Alex must find out what it is.