Described as Gladiator on the High Seas, this is based on a series of novels that are best described as 'a tougher, more adult Hornblower'. Setting out to discover the riches of the world, Captain Jack Aubrey (Russell Crowe) gets more than he bargained for.

For grown-up fans of Dana Carvey, Master of Disguise will seem like a wreck of a comedy. But kids will love it, since Carvey's chameleon-esque Pistachio Disguisey is an endearing klutz-turned-hero in the classic Jerry Lewis tradition. So perhaps the youngsters won't get the Tony Montana Scarface reference, but his Turtle man is a hoot ("Am I not turtle enough?" is the catchphrase). And when all else fails (and it nearly does), Brent Spiner shows up to steal his scenes as the villain who has a penchant for passing gas after laughing maniacally. No doubt hopes for an Austin Powers-like franchise have been dashed. Certainly, Master of Disguise, with its cameos by Bo Derek, Jessica Simpson and Jesse Ventura, lacks Goldmember's A-list star power. But it is way more family-friendly, and that will favourably impress parents. --Donald Liebenson