Der kleine Nick

French people might understandably be disappointed by a theatrical adaptation of the beloved Petit Nicolas, a character so familiar from their childhoods, but as one who was never mesmerized by the original form of these character, I did not go into this with expectations.

But it's a fun little ride. The costumes, the décor and the acting are all impeccable--Valérie Lemercier is especially delightful. So, too, is the writing: the story is predictable, tidy, socially non-offensive and slightly fantastical--but self-consciously so. It is a tribute to and a mild, good-natured parody of 1950's aesthetic and moral values in filmmaking, and it works very well. Most contemporary period films delight in opening up the curtains on the skeletons of what they see as "repressed" past societies and in poisoning our sentimental collective memories with gritty filth (see « 8 femmes » for an excellent French example; "Titanic" for a classic Anglo-American textbook example).

« Le petit Nicolas » is just here to remind us of what we were once supposed to try for--and it makes us wonder if it wasn't in some ways better than what we have ended up with... without, of course, being too moralizing. It makes for a good little weekday evening pick-me-up.

When you select this film to share with your family, you will get two things from it. First, you have selected a surprisingly fun film which can be enjoyed by everyone. Director Laurent Tirard has selected a group of adults and French school children who bring to life a most charming book entitled " Little Nicholas. " Secondly, it's the cute tale of a young school Boy named Nicholas (Maxime Godart), who's little life is perfect. His father (Kad Merad) and mother (Valérie Lemercier both love their son, but he is often confused by their squabbles. Upon learning his mother will soon be expecting another child, Nicholas mistakenly believes they will have to take him to the woods and leave him there. Encouraged by his school friends, Nicholas begins taking steps to either have his parents assassinated or kill his baby sister. The entire confusing scheme is set in motion while his parents are trying to make life better for their son. Including an incredible task given by the teacher to her students to create an essay on what the students would like to become when they grow up. A small wonderful story complete with incredible dramatic antics, social comedy and a dazzling display of child induced situations. Except for the French Dialog which is often translated wrong the movie is a delight for all. ****

This is a very entertaining movie.Loved the opening credits were very creative. Kids looked adorably innocent when they are discussing about grave issues, which are actually mostly imaginary.Looks like the movie was made from real incidents or observations.The potion looked very similar to something I had made during school days, when I got hooked in Chemistry . Characters were well made, consistent and well played.Streets in France looks so beautiful.The beauty of the movie comes from its close resemblance to real life. Scenes of the medical check up, parallel parking, boss visiting the house were hilarious. Good background music too.Well crafted by creative minds,and great story.

This movie is amazing. It is not often that I go to see a foreign movie, but people had told me how good this one was so I just went. And I do not regret it.

The actors all seem to fit perfectly for their part. I found it hard to imagine how they were any different in real life. One gets kind of nostalgic, seeing those children in their school uniforms. The story is just wonderful, and it is really, really humorous, the entire audience laughed throughout the movie. It is not that kind of funny in the way normal Adam Sandler and those Hollywood movies are. It has something more to it, it is not, well, hollow (cannot really describe it). The way the director has got this set up, to see the world the way a kid sees it, to look into what's going through their mind, this is all just wonderful. I walked out of there with a little smile on, I was all fuzzy after having laughed so much.

I would really like it if my town would start showing more foreign movies like this one.

To be honest, this movie didn't appeal to me because I couldn't stand the sugary nostalgia of this old France. But the kid wanted to see it again, so I complied.

And I realized that my feeling was very wrong: the movie is a tender and accurate vision of the world through the children eyes. They see it in a way opposite to adults. Thus, it was a perfect movie for the kid and it brought me very old memories about my childhood.

The cast is terrific: Kad Merad as a father can show all his big heart. Among the kids, Clotaire was my favorite with his dreamy and dumb attitude. And it's funny because he could act for the son of the actress Cecile de France.

But, rather than a great movie, it is a great adaptation because we mustn't forget that it's actually a collection of illustrated stories. And I find that the opening credits, which look like strips are the best idea ever for any adaptation movie!