This film was meant to be released last October, but the distributors decided to delay the release. I had heard rumours that test screenings did not go very well. So I had fairly low expectations when going to see it, despite the big name cast. The writer/director Justin Zackham has made an English language remake of a French film. One thing Justin has gotten right is the crazy French tone of the story. It is quite a crazy and convoluted plot device that gets the action going and it feels like a very French idea. Sadly Justin has not done a good job with the comedy side of things. There is the potential there to have some really funny moments but they have not been utilized. Justin nicely balances the various plot strands and shows promise in balancing the farcical elements but some how cannot make it funny.
You have to give credit for the great cast of Academy Award winners assembled here. It is one of the films highlights. The cast do a pretty decent job considering the lackluster material they have been given. Robert DeNiro is in silly comedy mode here and it pays off well. Diane Keaton plays her usually delightful self. Susan Sarandon is very good as well. Katherine Heigl does her usual bitchy routine. But she does have a softer side this time. I have long been a fan of Topher Grace so was pleased to see him on the big screen again. Ben Barnes does a decent job and Robin Williams is once again under utilized.
There was the potential there to have a really great ensemble comedy. Sadly it was not taken advantage of. A big name cast does elevate the material above being horrible.
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