Codename: Der Löwe

Dany Boon - if you have seen a French comedy in the last decade or so, it is quite likely you know who he is. You may not know the name, but you know the face. And I have to admit, he is doing it again. This movie is what it is, because of him, his charisma and the way he portrays a completely crazy character - literally.

That being said, the line between comedy and serious action is quite thin here. It still works ... and while this switches lanes from time to time and is able to entertain and surprise you at the same time, you have to let it do so ... because it is flawed ... majorly flawed. But the two main characters have such a fine chemistry ... I do not mind.

Good acting for a comedy, and sufficiently laid out story.

But that's pretty much it. You could do with a selection of moments from the film and have the plot and the twist revealed to you, and not too much would change.

I watched it on Rai3 in Italian and do not consider the experience a waste of time as I did like bits and pieces, and the story didn't hurt. But that's already the basis of what you get when you are in front of the TV.

If you're down with not expanding your view of the world or seeing something amazing, any decent production will do.

I wonder why borrowed so directly from Die Hard for the sidelining, more serious plot. Something else could serve better the comedy elements of what they were trying. Something lighter, which could also make the whole deal a bit more credible.

I think the improvisational talents of the two leads could have been used more effectively with a less cliché story about the kidnapping and the robbery.

I was undecided between a 5 and a 6, but the level of sympathy I developed for the basic idea is not strong enough to allow a 6.

Do a perfect script doctoring, work on the details, shoot this again or sell it to Hollywood for a remake, and it can even surpass a 6.

Great comedy. The actors are so good. I recomend it for all.

This movie is lots of fun with a big plot twist in the end. I enjoyed it a lot. The two main actors are funny and great actors. Funny and beautiful. I recommend. It's a comedy and you should take it as such.

Le Lion (2020) is a French comedy that focuses more on entertaining its audience than on conveying deep messages or challenging viewers. Directed by Ludovic Colbeau-Justin and starring Dany Boon and Philippe Katerine, the film presents a mix of humor and adventure.

The story revolves around a man named Leon, who introduces himself as a secret agent, though it's unclear whether he truly holds this identity or is simply delusional. His doctor, who gradually gets entangled in Leon's bizarre adventures, plays a crucial role in moving the plot forward. Despite the intriguing premise, the screenplay of Le Lion is not particularly innovative, and much of it is easily predictable. From the outset, the storyline makes it clear where it's heading, and the audience can almost immediately guess the film's outcome. This predictability might be somewhat disappointing for viewers seeking more complexity in the narrative.

Nevertheless, one of the film's strengths lies in its performances. Dany Boon, with his outstanding comedic skills, brings Leon to life with such energy and vibrancy that he effortlessly elicits laughter from the audience. Philippe Katerine, in the role of the doctor, offers a more subdued yet effective performance that balances well with Leon's exuberant character. These two actors have managed to create a good on-screen chemistry, adding to the film's appeal.

On the downside, the film's use of locations is a missed opportunity. Unlike many French films that utilize the country's stunning scenery to create a pleasant and visually appealing atmosphere, Le Lion fails to fully capitalize on France's visual potential. The shooting locations are not particularly eye-catching, which slightly detracts from the film's visual charm.

Overall, Le Lion is an entertaining comedy that can provide a few laughs for its audience. However, if you're looking for a film with deeper meanings or a more complex story, this might not be the right choice for you. Le Lion clearly aims to make its viewers laugh and not much more. It could be a good pick for a night when you're in the mood for something light and carefree, but don't expect it to leave you thinking or to impart any significant lessons. In short, if you're a fan of Dany Boon and French comedies, Le Lion might be an enjoyable and pleasant experience, but if you're seeking something beyond mere entertainment, this film may not meet your expectations.