| Overall Grade: |
B+ |
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| Story: |
B |
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| Acting: |
B+ |
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| Direction: |
B |
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| Visuals: |
A- |
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Much Ado in Monaco
by BartG (movies profile)
Sep 17, 2009
This very french concoction falls somewhere between broad farce and serious drama, shifting tones throughout,especially in the final reel.
Befuddled trial lawyer Bertrand (Fabrice Luchini) on assigment on the "Cote D'Azur", is having a fun time in between handling his client, an aging heiress played drolly by Stephanie Audren, who is accused of murdering her young lover. Enter tall mysterious bodyguard Christophe (Roschdy Zem) to watch over Fabrice, as the victim apparently had Russian mafia connections.
The relationship between the two opposite men comically develops until Fabrice appears on a local TV show , where he encounters a seemingly ditzy beautiful blond weather girl (is there any other kind?) Audrey. From this point on the story really percolates, particularly since Audrey wears her sexuality on her sleaveless dress, plus she some "histoire" with the cool Christophe.
The tone waivers from bedroom farce to more serious territory, so either you are thrown off as to what to make of it all, or perhaps it's just being true to real life , with all of the many mercurial happenings. It's a delicate balance, and I for one feel director Anne Fontaine pulls it off.
One thing's for sure: The two male leads have great chemistry, and I would relish seeing them team up again, whether in a sequel or some other adventure--kinda like the old Pierre Richard/Gerard Depardieu romps of the '70's and '80's! Also, both the splendid scenery and the fetching Louise Bourgoin as Audrey , are "tres","tres" easy on the eyes!
Overall "La Fille de Monaco" is a pleasant diversion, and reminds one of how the French can mix comedy, pathos, and suspense all together in one tasty souffle! |
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