Jean-Philippe

I saw this film on a flight from Paris to JFK. I was so intrigued I watched it three times. Yes, three times. It's a "parallel universe" story with such an interesting twist - the final beat is just amazing, and I won't give it away here.

The story had a few problems, but the acting was so honest and earnest and very, very funny, that they could be easily forgiven. Big, huge jokes.

After viewing it the first time I asked the French gentleman next to me if he knew the movie. He said he did and explained who the principals were, which made the film the second time even MORE clever.

Congratulations to the filmmakers and thanks for making an otherwise horrible transatlantic flight pleasurable.

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.

I didn't expected to see such a good movie! First I must say i'm not a Johnny Hallyday fan, though I respect him for the energy and strength he has. It's a brilliant comedy, with a great Fabrice Luchini, and a Johnny Hallyday that is not totally in its own character, and that gives here one of its greatest film. The idea of the scenario is very well found, but for a non-french person, this movie may seem weird, as one must know the unique "role" Johnny has in french music. For many, as the character played by Luchini, he's the greatest french singer of all times. That may be true, or not, but it's this uniqueness of Johnny that gives a sense to that movie.

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.

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.