Le Petit Nicolas

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.

In a suburb in France, the boy Nicolas (Maxime Godart) does not know what he wants to be when he grows up since he is very happy with his mother (Valérie Lemercier), his father (Kad Merad) and his schoolmates. When his friend Joachim has a baby brother, Joachim tells to the other boys that his father had become very gentle with his mother. Then Joachim vanishes from school. Nicolas partially overhears the conversation of his parents about a dinner party for his father's boss and he misunderstands, believing that his mother is pregnant and his parents want to get rid of him. Nicolas tells his friends and they decide to hire a gangster to vanish with the baby, But they need to raise the money first.

"Le Petit Nicolas" is a delightful and refreshing entertainment, with a gang that recalls the characters of Quino's Mafalda without the political jokes. I have laughed a lot, but the dinner party and the visit of the minister of education to the class are among the funniest moments of this original comedy of errors. My vote is eight.

Title (Brazil): "O Pequeno Nicolau" ("The Little Nicolau")

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!

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.

Must watch fun movie for whole family. This is how children movie's should be...just simple life events not just fairies & all...