Les Visiteurs: La Révolution (2016) Movie Review: A Timeless Comedy in Modern Times
Introduction
“Les Visiteurs: La Révolution” (2016), directed by Jean-Marie Poiré, is the sequel to the popular French comedy “Les Visiteurs” (1993) and its 1998 sequel, “Les Visiteurs 2: Les Couloirs du Temps.” The film stars Jean Reno, Christian Clavier, and Karin Viard, and continues the story of the bumbling medieval knight Godefroy de Montmirail and his squire Jacquouille la Fripouille as they navigate the complexities of the modern world. This review explores the film’s plot, performances, and overall impact, along with information on where to stream or purchase it in the United States.
Plot Overview
The story picks up where the previous film left off, with Godefroy de Montmirail (Jean Reno) and Jacquouille la Fripouille (Christian Clavier) still stranded in the 18th century. This time, they find themselves amidst the chaos of the French Revolution. As they try to navigate the political upheaval, they become embroiled in revolutionary activities, with Godefroy mistakenly believing that the revolutionaries are part of an elaborate conspiracy against him. The film blends historical satire with physical comedy as the characters struggle to adapt to their new surroundings.
Performances
Jean Reno returns as Godefroy de Montmirail, bringing his signature deadpan humor and physical comedy to the role. His performance effectively captures the character’s confusion and frustration as he encounters the complexities of the 18th century. Christian Clavier, as Jacquouille la Fripouille, complements Reno with his own brand of slapstick comedy and antics. The chemistry between the two actors remains strong, providing much of the film’s humor.
Karin Viard joins the cast as Madame de Montmirail, offering a solid performance that adds depth to the story. Her interactions with the main characters contribute to the film’s comedic moments and help balance the more absurd elements of the plot. The supporting cast, including Franck Dubosc and Éric Fraticelli, provide additional comic relief, although their roles are somewhat limited.
Direction and Cinematography
Jean-Marie Poiré, who also directed the original films, brings his experience and familiarity with the characters to this sequel. The direction effectively combines historical satire with slapstick humor, although the film occasionally struggles with pacing and coherence. Poiré’s approach maintains the whimsical tone of the series while addressing the new setting of the French Revolution.
Cinematographer Jean-Marie Dreujou captures the vibrant and chaotic atmosphere of the 18th century, using a mix of historical and comedic visuals to enhance the film’s humor. The costume and set design contribute to the film’s period authenticity, although some of the special effects and comedic sequences feel dated compared to contemporary standards.
Themes and Analysis
“Les Visiteurs: La Révolution” continues to explore themes of culture clash, historical satire, and the absurdity of time travel. The film humorously contrasts medieval and revolutionary France, using Godefroy and Jacquouille’s misadventures to comment on the absurdities of both eras. While the film offers a nostalgic return to beloved characters, its humor may not resonate as strongly with viewers unfamiliar with the previous installments. The satire of revolutionary politics adds a layer of social commentary, but the primary focus remains on physical comedy and character-driven humor.
Streaming and Purchase Options
For those interested in watching “Les Visiteurs: La Révolution,” it is available on several streaming platforms in the United States. You can stream the movie on Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV. Additionally, it is available for rent or purchase on services like Google Play Movies, Vudu, and YouTube. These options provide flexibility for viewers to access the film on their preferred platform.
Conclusion
“Les Visiteurs: La Révolution” (2016) is a comedic sequel that successfully recaptures the charm of the original films while introducing new historical settings and humorous situations. Jean Reno and Christian Clavier deliver enjoyable performances, continuing their roles with a blend of physical comedy and satire. While the film may not achieve the same level of impact as its predecessors, it offers a fun and nostalgic experience for fans of the series. Available on various streaming and rental platforms, the film is worth checking out for those interested in light-hearted historical comedy.
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