ZEPPOS: HET MERCATORSPOOR

This failed mix between old-school adventure and modern gadgets is let down the most by a screenplay that lacks charm and coherence.

As a child in the eighties, I was glued to reruns of Flanders' most famous TV show ever: Kapitein Zeppos. The tales of the charismatic adventurer truly shaped my young life and fuelled my imagination. Whether Zeppos: Het Mercatorspoor, a big-screen reboot, will have the same effect on youngsters today is highly unlikely however.

Despite better production values the movie is nearly indistinguishable from any kid's TV show currently airing in Flanders, from its hilariously naïve storytelling to its godawful choice of antagonist. Not helped by the annoyingly bland lead performance of young Nathan Naenen and a failed mix between old-school adventure and modern gadgets the picture is let down the most by a screenplay that lacks charm and coherence.

Some scenes are downright laughable, like when an age-old treasure cave somehow has recently lit candles in it. The only one who more or less leaves the film with his dignity intact is Carry Goossens, ably taking on the mantle of the late Senne Rouffaer as a Zeppos you actually root for.

release: 2022

director: Douglas Boswell

starring: Nathan Naenen, Britt Scholte, Cary Goossens, Koen De Bouw