R.A.I.D. Special Unit (2017) Movie Review: A French Action-Comedy That Hits and Misses
Overview
Directed by Dany Boon, “R.A.I.D. Special Unit” (original title: “Raid Dingue”) is a French action-comedy that blends slapstick humor with high-octane action. Starring Alice Pol, Dany Boon, and Michel Blanc, the film follows a clumsy yet determined woman who dreams of joining an elite police unit. While the movie offers moments of genuine humor and excitement, it sometimes struggles to maintain a consistent tone and pacing.
Plot Summary
The story centers on Johanna Pasquali (Alice Pol), a highly motivated but exceedingly clumsy police officer whose dream is to join the elite R.A.I.D. (Research, Assistance, Intervention, Deterrence) Special Unit. Despite her good intentions and enthusiasm, Johanna’s ineptitude makes her a laughingstock among her peers.
Her father, the Minister of the Interior (Michel Blanc), secretly pulls some strings to get her accepted into the R.A.I.D. training program, hoping she will fail and abandon her dangerous ambitions. Johanna’s training is overseen by the gruff and skeptical Eugène Froissard (Dany Boon), who is determined to see her fail.
As Johanna undergoes rigorous and often comedic training, a terrorist plot unfolds, providing her an unexpected opportunity to prove her worth. With the help of her fellow recruits and her relentless determination, Johanna must overcome her clumsiness and foil the terrorists’ plans.
Performance and Direction
Alice Pol delivers a spirited and endearing performance as Johanna Pasquali, effectively capturing her character’s blend of clumsiness and determination. Pol’s physical comedy skills are put to good use, and she manages to make Johanna both sympathetic and amusing. Dany Boon, who also directed the film, plays Eugène Froissard with a balance of gruffness and hidden warmth, creating a dynamic and humorous mentor-student relationship with Pol.
Michel Blanc provides solid support as Johanna’s father, adding another layer of humor and familial tension to the narrative. The supporting cast, including the ensemble of R.A.I.D. recruits, contributes to the film’s comedic elements, though some characters are more memorable than others.
Dany Boon’s direction focuses on blending action and comedy, with mixed results. While some sequences successfully merge slapstick humor with thrilling action, others feel disjointed and overly reliant on clichés. Boon’s experience with comedy is evident, but the film sometimes struggles to find a balance between its comedic and action-packed moments.
Visuals and Cinematography
The cinematography by Denis Rouden is competent, capturing the fast-paced action scenes and comedic set pieces effectively. The film’s visual style is straightforward, with clean and dynamic shots that enhance both the humor and the action. The use of practical effects and stunts adds a sense of realism to the action sequences, making them more engaging.
The production design creates a believable setting for the R.A.I.D. training and operations, with detailed sets and locations that add to the film’s immersive experience. The blend of urban environments and training facilities provides a varied backdrop for the story.
Themes and Relevance
“R.A.I.D. Special Unit” explores themes of perseverance, self-belief, and challenging stereotypes. Johanna’s journey from a bumbling officer to a competent and valued member of the R.A.I.D. team highlights the importance of determination and hard work in achieving one’s dreams. The film also addresses issues of gender roles and expectations, with Johanna’s character defying traditional stereotypes of what it means to be a successful police officer.
The narrative’s focus on teamwork and camaraderie among the recruits adds a layer of depth to the story, emphasizing the value of support and collaboration in overcoming obstacles.
Streaming and Availability
For viewers in the United States, “R.A.I.D. Special Unit” is available for streaming on various platforms. You can watch it on Amazon Prime Video and other streaming services. The film is also available for rent or purchase on digital platforms such as Apple iTunes, Google Play Movies, Vudu, and YouTube Movies.
Conclusion
“R.A.I.D. Special Unit” is a lighthearted action-comedy that offers moments of genuine humor and excitement, driven by Alice Pol’s endearing performance and Dany Boon’s comedic direction. While the film’s tonal inconsistencies and reliance on clichés may detract from its overall impact, it remains an entertaining watch for fans of slapstick comedy and action.
The film’s themes of perseverance, self-belief, and challenging stereotypes resonate, making “R.A.I.D. Special Unit” more than just a series of comedic set pieces. It may not be a groundbreaking entry in the genre, but it provides a fun and enjoyable experience for those looking for a mix of laughs and thrills.
