Caught this film on a French cable network recently. The premise sounded good, however, the execution left this viewer expecting more. As conceived by Dominique Farrugia and his collaborators, the film probably looked a lot better on the written page than what develops on the screen. Granted, it had the right ingredients, but the results are somewhat mixed, as though the creative team ran out of steam half way during the production. There are sequences that feel flat that do not go anywhere. The convoluted plot to get the millions, even for a comedy does not make much sense.
We are given two men, as opposite from one another as oil and vinegar. Quentin, a criminal trying to rob a bank on Place Vandome, is outsmarted and robbed of money he borrowed from Jo, a big crime boss. Being in debt, Quentin must do something to return the money. Unknown to him, Thomas, a man who landed in jail for something unconnected, makes a name for himself in prison. He is known as the marquis, so Quentin believes he will be the ideal partner for a big heist Jo has put together in Manila. Unfortunately, Quentin does not know the guy is a fake.
Frank Dubosc plays Thomas using a lot of gags that do not add much to the film. Richard Berry, a reliable actor who always delivers, is at a disadvantage as Quentin, playing the straight guy in the comedy. Jean-Hughes Anglade, who is always seen as the heavy in most films, appears as Jo, the criminal boss. The film is good for a few laughs. Could Hollywood be interested in a remake? Who knows, but let's hope it stays a French misfire that will not get a new life in America.
We are given two men, as opposite from one another as oil and vinegar. Quentin, a criminal trying to rob a bank on Place Vandome, is outsmarted and robbed of money he borrowed from Jo, a big crime boss. Being in debt, Quentin must do something to return the money. Unknown to him, Thomas, a man who landed in jail for something unconnected, makes a name for himself in prison. He is known as the marquis, so Quentin believes he will be the ideal partner for a big heist Jo has put together in Manila. Unfortunately, Quentin does not know the guy is a fake.
Frank Dubosc plays Thomas using a lot of gags that do not add much to the film. Richard Berry, a reliable actor who always delivers, is at a disadvantage as Quentin, playing the straight guy in the comedy. Jean-Hughes Anglade, who is always seen as the heavy in most films, appears as Jo, the criminal boss. The film is good for a few laughs. Could Hollywood be interested in a remake? Who knows, but let's hope it stays a French misfire that will not get a new life in America.