Suske en Wiske: De duistere diamant

I know "Suske en Wiske" as "Bob et Bobette". My father used to love that comic series, that's how I knew it ("Bob et Bobette" are quite unknown in France). It is not an usual comic book : it is fun, it is full of ideas, it comes with its own rules, it is a whole universes in itself (Like Tezuka Osamu's mangas for instance). Therefore, filming that in live action can seem a foolish project, it requires a lot of things : a very special casting, much money for the special effects, a great cinematography and a good director. Well... The casting is quite okay. Sidonie is played by a man, why not (the voice could have been more feminine). Lambique, well, I'm not sure of the actor. Jerome is okay. Bob and Bobette are okay too, but Bobette seems older than Bob and she has too much breast. The image is poor, we don't understand all the actions, it is not very good. The directing and the editing are a little bit outdated, it is not far from the Benny Hill Show... Therefore, I'll get back to the books, this movie maybe shouldn't have been done. Maybe the very little kids can find some fun here.

As somebody already told it here, the DVD's bonus is terrible : slow and uninteresting, it mostly shows that a German/belgian production of that kind can not be really professional as other comics-based movies of the past decade, from the US (Spiderman, Xmen, Hulk, yes, but also older movies like Popeye or Annie) and even from France (Asterix).

I think it's impossible to make a truly good movie, enjoyable for both children and adults, of the suske and wiske-comic books. The stories of this happy duo are just not cut out to be played by real actors of flesh and blood. Characters such as Lambik, Aunt Sidonia or Professor Barabas are funny in the comics, but if real actors play them they are dumb, irritating and slightly childish. This being said, I must add that the movie also has its good points. It does have that same nice atmosphere that marks the comic books and for the fans it's nice to see the universe of S&W come to live. And it has fair special-effects for a Belgian/Dutch product. Okay, it doesn't have the quality of the Harry Potter-movies, but that level simply is unreachable.

I'd recommend this movie to the real hardcore S&W-fans, the rest of the movie lovers shouldn't even try it.

A famous comic, some famous Flemish names and a lot of promotion. A guaranteed good movie or not…? People said it's a great movie, others say it sucked and IMDb gives it a 5.7. We'll see about that.

Every Flemish citizen and even furthermore everybody knows Suske and Wiske from the comic books. So a movie couldn't last, right? But the first thought that filled my head says: 'What did they do to Stany Crets?' This cute guy, who plays Jerom, opens the film by shouting he's not coming. Stany Crets isn't the only guy they messed up; everybody meet Frank Focketyn, Dirk Roofthooft and Peter van den Begin. But I know, that's supposed to be in this film and after a while you get used to it. It's actually kind off cool to see those big people like that. All dressed up like Willy Vandersteen, who was responsible for the comic books, meant it. The most realistic one is the magician, played by Daan Hugeart. His make-up and clothes are perfect and well, it's the best costume to end with.

The movie starts straight away with mystery and I think that's good. It keeps people awake and alert for what's coming up. This a typical child movie, though. The actors – most of them are supposed to be pretty good – seemed to lost their talents and de special effects aren't always that good, but in the end: children won't mind. I'm sure the like this movie, but the real film fans should watch out: if you wane see a really good Flemish movie, please leave this one for a while, and try something as 'De Zaak Alzheimer'…

Anyway, I enjoyed the film after all. The length of the film is just 1,5h, but that's just long enough not to get bored. The kids should watch it!

Yesterday I saw this movie on DVD.

First thing that I've noticed: this story is completely incomprehensible if you did not read the comic-book! The story is told in a very amateurish way, which makes it sometimes difficult to follow. Of course: if you have read the book, you can fill in the missing parts. If you haven't read the book: good luck in trying to understand the story.

Or let's say the details in the story.

This is really a pity since the actors are doing a great job. Especially Stany Crets as Jerommeke is great!

Another complaint: I have never seen such unprofessional rubbish on a DVD as extra. Not much extra on the DVD, only the making of. first 10 minutes are great and you can have a look behind the scenes. But then you as spectator are treated on a movie-clip which I only can describe as some kind of camcorder record: a 3 minutes shot of a door ?? Shots filmed when the camera was supposed to be switched off (so, you see floor and ceiling). This made my DVD experience quite special I must see ;-)

conclusion: the actors did a great job, even the special effects and decors were OK. Unfortunately a bad director and bad cut totally kills this movie experience. If you have the DVD there is an unforgettable "extra" which is so bad, one have to see it to believe it.

When you start seeing this movie, remember: It's a kids movie

The actors are dressed up just as in the comics accept for the strange noses or 6 strings of hair like Lambik. This gives a familiar feeling and must let the viewers feel comfortable.

The actors do their best and I got the feeling they enjoyed themselves. The comic they followed to make this movie isn't the best or the most spectacular one in the series, but is one of the easiest to film because it's a story on itself and doesn't refer to things that have passed in other Suske en Wiske comics.

Because this film is a kids film, just like the comics are for kids, the story is kept simple and has a fast opening where Wiske immediately starts to suspect there is something going on. I as a 24 year old enjoyed this film nonetheless. It has its funny moments and seeing Barabas and Teletijdmachine as well as the jeep where they always use too travel with in the comics gave me a nostalgic feeling. It's good they didn't change too much on the environment, characters and objects. The 1,5 hour is just long enough to don't get bored.

I think the kids will enjoy this film, especially if they are familiar with the comics.