THE SEEKER: THE DARK IS RISING — * 1/2 — Alexander Ludwig, Ian McShane, Christopher Eccleston; rated PG (violence)

The title character of "The Seeker: The Dark is Rising" is searching for mystically powered "signs" that will help the forces of good avert the End of All Things.

It turns out that the film is searching for a few things as well: an original, coherent plot, some serious thrills.

Instead, however, "The Seeker" becomes a rather unexciting fantasy that features some good digitally rendered effects (courtesy of the people responsible for the "Transformer" and "Pirates of the Caribbean" movies) but little else.

Based on the second book in the award-winning, young-adult fantasy series by Susan Cooper, the film has relative newcomer Alexander Ludwig starring as Will Stanton, an American who's adjusting to living in England when he discovers that he's the final member of a secret society known as "the Old Ones."

Will's new mentor, Merriman Lyon (Ian McShane), assures him that he is crucial to their survival, as well as that of all mankind. As the Seeker, Will is charged with finding six hidden objects that will give him the power to oppose the forces of darkness.

Unfortunately, doesn't have much time. The evil Rider (Christopher Eccleston) has apparently reawakened and has already discovered Will's presence. He soon threatens the teen and warns him that he will reach his own power level in less than a week.

Screenwriter John Hodge and director David Cunningham's adaptation seems all too derivative of "Star Wars," "Harry Potter" and "The Lord of the Rings," and it takes itself more seriously than any of those — much too seriously.

Consequently, the film comes off as silly and laughable. And the sometimes dark tone and mystical violence probably should have earned the film a PG-13.

As for young Ludwig, he seems a bit lost at times. But that problem is going around here. In fact, of the entire cast, only Eccleston really seems to be having fun.

"The Seeker: The Dark is Rising" is rated PG for strong scenes of fantasy/action violence (sorcerous and creature attacks, sword play, brawling, violent storms, vehicular violence and children in peril). Running time: 99 minutes.

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