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If you thought Team America: World Police was a one-off for puppet cinema, you were wrong: the marionettes are on the march again in Strings. There is sex and violence here too, but no sign of laughs as a deadly serious tale of love and war in a mythical land unfolds. It's all a bit too wooden to keep the kids amused, but older animation fans are bound to admire the craftsmanship of this epic yarn.

It reportedly took four years, 115 puppets and a crew of 150 to bring Strings to the screen. Given all the effort involved, it's a bit strange that none of the characters is equipped with a moving mouth. Still, they're handsome, eerie creations, brought to life by an expressive voice-cast of British thesps. James McAvoy takes the lead as literal golden boy Prince Hal, who attempts to avenge his dead father while his uncle Nezo (Derek Jacobi) plots to pinch the throne.

"SOME STRIKING MOMENTS"

Alas, storytelling isn't the movie's strongest suit. There are reams of sub-Shakespearean intrigue to wade through before the action finally takes off in the carnage-filled climax. Still, making the actual strings an integral part of the drama is a masterstroke, and there are some striking moments involving rain, fire and snow. The sex scene, meanwhile, is as delicate as the Team America one was dirty. All the same, with its stately pace, uninvolving characters and lack of comic relief, this is likely to leave many viewers feeling strung out.