Switch - Ein mörderischer Tausch

I don't understand what the first reviewer was talking about, this is a killer thriller that moves like lightning, once you get past the (very good) setup.

Is there a deep mystery to be resolved that's real interesting? Not particularly, but I believe Hitchcock had a term for that, the "mcguffin", the thing the crooks want but the audience doesn't care. This movie is about nonstop action, and it's very well done, one of the best foot chases I've ever seen, with amazing camera work. For them to have accomplished that in 35 days with two cameramen, it's just . . . astounding. By all means check it out.

I watched this movie sitting on the edge of my seat, completely mesmerized from beginning to end. While I was watching it I kept thinking how impressively put together it was, like an intricate clockwork handled with a masterful touch by an artful master.

This girl, Karine Vanasse, is a terrific actress, top drawer, and she's on screen most of the time, with a wide range of emotions perfectly believable and appropriate for the rol, a rol that requires enormous amounts of tense moments for her.

As good as her is the police officer (Eric Cantona) but diametrically opposed to her school of acting, since he is totally restrained in his movements but his performance is outstanding.

Another reviewer criticized many-many weak points in the script, and I agree with all those findings, but at the same time I wonder: Why criticize almost to a vivisection point a movie that is only sheer entertainment? Even reading any of the Shakespeare plays we can point out thousand implausibilities in them and yet, we take him for granted now.

I don't see it that way, this movie is a TEN stars, because it does what it promised: To Entertain, and it would be very difficult to top it at that.

Sensational script, sensational camera work (to a dazzling point), sublime editing, perfect actors, even pacing from beginning to end, excellent soundtrack, magnificent director (Frederic Schoendoerffer)... Anything else, El Exigente?

And to top it all, Paris, the most beautiful city on this earth of ours!

I have watched this movie, almost accidentally on TV, while switching channels, and stay up to the end... and apart for some gross incoherences in the scenario (as described in some former reviews), some facts are too unbelievable. I was however really impressed by the way the action was shown on the screen.... The two cameras filming is particularly well adapted for the running chases.... which are definitely worth to see, showing an impressing dexterity of the filming team as well as the cutting team. You feel well the dispair of the running girl and the perseverance of the pursuing cop, at some moment you could think she will resign but she goes on... very well done... Some stair chase viewpoints are very unusual, and fun to see, like slipping on a ramp, but very well rendered... Cantona is a credible police detective, I have liked his pugnacity, and the distress of the victim is well perceived too. This will provide me incentive to investigate deeper the posterious work of this promising director and cinematographer...

Poor old Eric Cantona! Apparently lots of potential buyers have been put off this DVD because of the cover, but let me tell you this, Cantona actually puts in a nicely understated performance. He's not the problem in this film though. It's the utterly ludicrous script that spoils what could otherwise have been an excellent action thriller. On the plus points, the lead actress puts in a superb effort (although the film never explains why a struggling artist has the skills of a CIA agent), and most of the cast are good actors. There are also some very good action scenes, and a memorable foot chase through the suburbs of Paris.

Apart from an excellent start, and an intriguing premise, the film quickly descends into a brainless chase movie, with some truly ridiculous scenes (the mother with the shotgun being one of the most stupid), and any number of coincidences unexplained. Worse than all that, though, is the motive of the killer, which is completely incredible. The ending will leave you scratching your head. I have no problem with the suspension of disbelief, but there has to be some credibility, otherwise you end up laughing, like I did. It's a real shame, because the film is well directed, there is an excellent cast, included the much maligned Cantona, and with a credible script and screenplay, it could have (and should have) been a rock solid thriller. It is simply too far fetched for my tastes.

The premise itself is anything but new, so you won't (or shouldn't) be too surprised when the story kicks in. Of course if you don't shut off your brain (as the main character apparently did here), you will have some issues with some of the decisions she makes. Or rather doesn't make, which is more than unfortunate. But if you don't really care about the logic, this will be a tension filled thriller.

The lead performance is good (again not accounting for internal logic) and it Cantona sort of plays a Tommy Lee Jones inspired character. But softer if you can believe that (I know). A nice little french thriller that is decent enough to watch then