How does the Tomatometer work 
Reviews Counted:14
Fresh:11
Rotten:3
Average Rating:6.3/10
Consensus: A loose and subtle French ensemble comedy of manners with solid performances and a few witty one liners.
Runtime: 1 hr 50 mins
Genre: Comedies
Starring: Jean-Pierre Bacri, Jamel Debbouze, Agnes Jaoui, Pascale Arbillot
Director: Agnes Jaoui
You can blame the government, the bourgeoisie, women or the weather, but in the end Jaoui's ensemble comedy, for all its sophisticated wit and note-perfect performances, is washed out by an overwhelming slightness.
Sly ensemble acting, the strong point in any JaBac film, feels like a safety net in this one.
Touching on everything from family to fidelity, politics to prejudice, this is a slice of dystopic domesticity that captures the disappointments of life and the little joys that make it worthwhile.
This is not the rat-a-tat-tat of comic one-liners, but rather an amiable amble, brimming with charm.
Nothing quite new enough, or strong enough, to turn a mild arthouse pleaser into a must-see.
But it is a disappointment: a loose, unfocused rag-bag of ideas. Its filmic muscle tone lacks definition; it is flabby.
French writer-director Agnès Jaoui's comedy of manners takes on issues of class, race and loyalty, but in such a charming, offhand way that one hardly notices them being raised.
There are several intriguing themes gurgling around this comical drama, but it's so rambling and loose that nothing really comes together. Even so, the solid acting keeps us interested, and the potent issues keep us thinking.
This gentle lancing of the foibles and pretensions of the French bougeoisie couldn't get more Gallic if it was sprinkled with garlic and ran off with the next-door-neighbour.
It tells you more about human nature than a dozen more portentous movies and is a rare delight to savour from a unique and exceptionally talented film-maker.
While the genial comic tone and steady torrent of sharp one-liners and social faux pas are effortlessly carried forward from her past work, this is a more subtle, contemplative and mature film.
Each of the key characters feels disenfranchised in some way, but the meandering ensemble story doesn’t reach any real conclusions.
Rooted in richly played, likeable characters, this modest set-up percolates with smart, urbane humour, with Jaoui still finding time for some broad set-piece chuckles.
Watchable, well acted and occasionally amusing French drama, though it's not as emotionally satisfying as Jaoui's previous films.
November 07, 2008:
UK Critics Consensus: Was W. Wicked? Is Pride & Glory Proud and Glorious?
This week in the UK cinemas we have Oliver Stones latest presidential dissection, the George W. Bush biopic W. with Josh Brolin in the title role. Also out is Pride & Glory, a... More...
Take a look at MSN's choices for the Top 10 films of 2009.
Last week, Moviefone offered us their worst films of the 2000s. Now see their 40 best!
Hollywood.com explores why QT's characters resonate so well with audiences.
TIME chimes in with their own list of the best films released this year.
Click through to see which movies BuzzSugar placed in their Best-of-Decade list!
Get the latest Tomatometer updates on upcoming movies!
IGN.com |
GameSpy |
Comrade |
Arena |
FilePlanet |
GameSpy Technology
TeamXbox |
Planets |
Vaults |
VE3D |
CheatsCodesGuides |
GameStats |
GamerMetrics
AskMen.com |
Rotten Tomatoes |
Direct2Drive |
Green Pixels
IGN RSS Feeds
Comment
