LE RETOUR DU HÉROS turned out far better than I had expected. Director Laurent Tirard is an unknown to me, but he does a competent job and the film generally flows, punctuated by some exceedingly funny moments, and others which reflect keen observation of human nature.
In addition, despite its palaces and smartly dressed people, the action and dialogue are firmly 21st Century. One of the highlights is the returning hero, played by Jean Dujardin, looking dirty and fallen from grace, accidentally spits on a passing baby. Dujardin, an Oscar winner with THE ARTIST, is in good form but it is Mélanie Laurent who steals the show with her intelligent eyes, beautiful face, and impeccably timed delivery, at times delightfully dry, at others quite ebullient.
The exaggerated accounts of Dujardin's "bravery," and the way Laurent lifts or deflates them, according to her interests, are a real pleasure to watch.
I think the film should have ended with the marriage, the last 5-10 mins are the weakest, but by then I felt I had had my money's worth. 8/10
In addition, despite its palaces and smartly dressed people, the action and dialogue are firmly 21st Century. One of the highlights is the returning hero, played by Jean Dujardin, looking dirty and fallen from grace, accidentally spits on a passing baby. Dujardin, an Oscar winner with THE ARTIST, is in good form but it is Mélanie Laurent who steals the show with her intelligent eyes, beautiful face, and impeccably timed delivery, at times delightfully dry, at others quite ebullient.
The exaggerated accounts of Dujardin's "bravery," and the way Laurent lifts or deflates them, according to her interests, are a real pleasure to watch.
I think the film should have ended with the marriage, the last 5-10 mins are the weakest, but by then I felt I had had my money's worth. 8/10