Just Visiting (2001) – Movie Review
Introduction
“Just Visiting” is a 2001 fantasy-comedy film directed by Jean-Marie Poiré. A remake of Poiré’s 1993 French film “Les Visiteurs,” this Hollywood adaptation stars Jean Reno, Christina Applegate, and Christian Clavier. Combining medieval fantasy with contemporary comedy, the film explores the clash of cultures and time periods when a time-traveling knight and his squire find themselves in modern-day Chicago. This review delves into the film’s plot, performances, and comedic elements, and provides information on where to watch it in the United States.
Plot Summary
The story follows a medieval French knight, Godefroy de Montmirail (Jean Reno), and his loyal squire, Jacquouille (Christian Clavier), who are transported to the 21st century through a magical spell gone awry. Their journey begins when Godefroy attempts to return to his beloved fiancée, Princess Frénégonde (Catherine Hicks), but ends up in modern-day Chicago instead.
As Godefroy and Jacquouille navigate the unfamiliar world of the 21st century, they encounter a series of comedic misadventures. They struggle to understand modern technology, societal norms, and everyday life, leading to a series of humorous misunderstandings. Along the way, Godefroy’s quest to reunite with his fiancée becomes entangled with contemporary challenges, including romance, technology, and the pursuit of an evil villain.
Performances
Jean Reno delivers a charming and charismatic performance as Godefroy, the noble knight who finds himself out of place in the modern world. His portrayal combines the grandeur of a medieval warrior with the bewilderment of someone thrust into an alien environment, creating a character that is both endearing and amusing.
Christian Clavier, reprising his role from the French original, brings a high-energy comedic flair to Jacquouille, Godefroy’s bumbling squire. Clavier’s physical comedy and expressive performance add a layer of humor that complements Reno’s more restrained portrayal.
Christina Applegate plays Julia Malfroy, a modern-day woman who becomes entangled in Godefroy’s and Jacquouille’s misadventures. Applegate’s performance provides a relatable counterpoint to the medieval characters, and her comedic timing enhances the film’s humor.
Visual Style and Comedy
“Just Visiting” features a blend of medieval and modern visuals that highlight the contrast between the two time periods. The film’s costume design, set pieces, and special effects effectively create a whimsical atmosphere that supports the comedic elements.
The humor in “Just Visiting” relies heavily on fish-out-of-water scenarios, slapstick comedy, and cultural misunderstandings. While the comedy is often broad and exaggerated, it successfully generates laughs through its playful and inventive approach. The film’s ability to combine historical and contemporary elements creates a unique and entertaining experience.
Reception and Legacy
“Just Visiting” received mixed reviews from critics, with some appreciating its light-hearted humor and performances, while others found the comedy to be repetitive and predictable. The film’s remake status also drew comparisons to the original French version, with opinions divided on which version delivered a more effective comedic experience.
Despite its mixed reception, “Just Visiting” has found a niche audience among fans of light-hearted fantasy comedies. Its charming performances and humorous premise offer a fun, if uneven, cinematic experience.
Streaming and Purchase Options in the U.S.
For those interested in watching “Just Visiting,” several streaming and purchase options are available in the United States:
- Amazon Prime Video: Available for rental or purchase.
- Apple iTunes: Available for rental or purchase.
- Google Play Movies: Available for rental or purchase.
- Vudu: Available for rental or purchase.
- YouTube Movies: Available for rental or purchase.
Conclusion
“Just Visiting” is a whimsical and comedic romp that brings medieval knights and modern-day antics together in a humorous clash of cultures. With strong performances from Jean Reno and Christian Clavier, the film offers an entertaining blend of fantasy and comedy. While it may not appeal to all audiences, it provides a fun and light-hearted escape for those looking to enjoy a unique and amusing film experience.
