"Burglary isn't a game - it's a passion you must control," are the words of advice given to teenage wannabe thief Arsene Lupin by his career criminal dad.

Unfortunately, Arsene's initial passion isn't theft but seduction and it's directed both at his kissing cousin Clarisse (Eva Green) and Kristin Scott Thomas' mysterious comtesse Josephine.

After pop - a 19th century kickboxing instructor and jewel thief - is murdered by a dodgy accomplice, Arsene (Duris) sets off on a lifetime mission to discover his killer.

A sumptuous costume drama set in the world of grand chateaus, masked balls and coach-and-fours, this is big on budget but small in inspiration.

Duris' Arsene - a Gallic cross between Raffles and Jason King - is a bit of cold fish for a romantic lead and there's precious little chemistry between him and the women in his life.

Scott Thomas is a more interesting proposition as a sort of houseboat-dwelling supernatural femme fatale who may be one hundred years old yet can still pout for France.

The trouble is it leaves the viewer wishing for a slug of the potion which keeps her young because you leave the cinema feeling an awful lot older than when you went in.

Basically, the main problem is the running time at well over two hours just goes on...and on...and on with more false endings than you can shake an epee at.

After the third time you've left your seat only to scuttle back faced with yet another plot swerve, slippery Arsene has definitely outstayed his welcome.

Never has the word "Fin" been more welcome.

Tim Evans