Jean-Philippe

There is hardly anybody with the knowledge of French culture and civilization who is not aware of Johnny Hallyday especially his immense contributions to French rock and roll. Watching "Jean Philippe", one can confidently say that not knowing about Johnny Hallyday in France is as sacrilegious as not knowing about Cliff Richard in UK. This Laurent Tuel film is an excellent lesson in making viewers learn that not only is Johnny a great singer but also a great actor. In a film which seeks to get closer to his likable persona, Johnny has given an amazing but somewhat restrained performance which never attempts to go over the top. What makes this film credible is the fact that it has some amazing performances by Fabrice Luchini who is hailed as one of French cinema's most intellectual actor. On many occasions, he has proved that he can fit in any role as his performances reveal that cinema has not lost any of its charms. 'Jean-Philippe' constantly reminds us that forgotten heroes need to be resurrected at all costs as the world cannot afford to move forward without real heroes.

Very, VERY, funny movie, nice plot and a fresh take on Halliday's career and top hit musical numbers; I would certainly recommend watching this film for a good laugh and a good vibrant rock-and-roll à la French.

Just seen this film on a long flight like a previous commentator. Know Lucchini as an actor who I can't abide but who makes good, perhaps great, films. Saw L'Homme du Train and was surprised by Hallyday but all rock stars have one good film in them (performance, The man who fell to earth, o lucky man, PG and Billy the Kid etc). But I found myself being utterly seduced by this film. There are twists and turns that are far too cute but the film just survives them. Hollywood claims to be the capital of feel-good sentimentality but I'm afraid, as in too many things but not as many as the French think, this trumps those films with Gallic ease. This will join 'Le Bonheur est dans le pre' as one of those films to reach for when the none too subtle indignities of everyday life reach an intensity that some sort of brief and simple escape is necessary. I've even started to listen to Hallyday's songs! For this film to have had such an extreme effect it must be at least bearable.

Fabrice Lucchini is a frail-looking, slightly manic, literary type who is perfectly capable of doing highly successful one-man shows where he reads poetry. Casting him as a middle-class washout whose sole passion is the music of a 60-year-old rocker sounds odd, but it works.

And one night Fabrice (both the lead characters use their real first names in the film. There may or may not be a reason for this) takes a bump to the back of his head and wakes up in a parallel universe where his idol, Johnny, never made it to the French equivalent of "Opportunity Knocks", was never Discovered, never became a star...

Johnny Hallyday is the stage name of one Jean-Philippe Smet (hence the title). Think of him as,say, the French equivalent of Cliff Richard. Still going strong at 60, whether or not you like his music you have to recognise he has undeniable talent as a musician. He also turns in quite a creditable performance for the film, and is a realistic counterweight to the effervescent Lucchini.

The film is a pleasant, and eminently watchable, comedy. There are plenty of good jokes, although those who don't follow French popular culture might miss one or two references. It shouldn't spoil the film. Enjoy.

I didn't expect to be blown away by this film, but i expected a good time. I thought that the topic was somewhat original, and the trailers seemed promising. Alas, once you've seen the trailers, you've pretty much seen the funny parts already. While this film isn't bad it kind of get cheesy at times. Johnny plays Johnny and not Jean-Philippe, a character that should have been more developed, the story is ill conceived and the end is plain silly. Add that cheesiness to a very bad song that closes the film and you somehow regret you paid 8,50 euros to have seen it. I heard the Americans are already on it to buy the rights and have thought to make their movie revolving around Madonna or Springsteen. For once i think the American version has a good chance to be better than the original at least. I also enjoyed "true lies" better than "La totale" though.