Bon Cop, Bad Cop

I've seen it yesterday and it is very good! I'm french, so I've seen it in french, but I'll probably go see it in English too, because although I watched it in french, there's a lot of English parts (subtitled) so I guess the English version will also be subtitled for the french parts. It not hard to understand, it's completely hilarious, but there's also a very good story and I honestly suggest it to anyone (exept young children, there's a lot of swearing (haha) in both languages! ) The movie is not too long, it lasts about two hours but I never felt tired of any part. It talks a lot about hockey, our national sport, but the story is not all about it, which allows the less-informed viewers to understand easily (There are some inside jokes with our hockey reality, but only a few). Seriously, I laughed, I got scared, I jumped, I laughed again, and I simply loved this movie which I recommend to you all.

The chemistry between Huard and Feore is fantastic. I had thought the subtitles would be annoying but they are such an integral part of the humour that I didn't mind them at all.

There are moments in the movie that are shocking enough to make you squeeze your eyes shut, but the humour is retained all the way through.

Warning - I was part of a test audience. There were a lot of complaints about language and violence. I thought it was brilliantly done, however if you're sensitive to either, this movie may not be for you. I hope the film doesn't get changed because of the complaints. It is perfectly balanced as it is.

A movie with two languages ... french and english. And it's mixed, so different/multiple characters speak both languages. So you have to focus on what they say if you know both languages or on the subtitles if you have issues with at least one of those. But it's ok and it works, because it does feel more alive for being that way.

Speaking of more alive: we do get treated on some personal stuff of both protagonists. Some is not really necessary for the story, but it's there. And because it didn't have to be made for general audiences (it has an R rating in America), it does contain blood, profanity and even nudity. The latter is cut together in a very funny, yet sexy way. There are some bumps when it comes to the story, but the actors had so much fun with their roles, it really shines through to the audience. Enjoy this crazy ride ...

I saw this with my wife on opening day, and we both loved it! Great action and great humour. We saw the French version, ie: the English dialogue is subtitled. I imagine that in the English version it's the other way around. If you are bilingual you have an advantage as we found a few times we were the only ones laughing. Some of the jokes didn't get translated quite right from English to French, and I'm sure there are a few French jokes that are funnier if you are from or are familiar with Québec. The direction was superbly done, with some great juxtaposition in one of the scene. The language wasn't that bad (unless you are French, there's more French swearing than English) and there were a couple of graphic scenes, so don't take young kids. Also a good spoof of some prominent hockey figures. Rick Mercer and Louis-Jose Houde provide their typical comedy excellently.

Overall a great movie and I strongly recommend it!

It's rare that a Canadian movie has people talking like this one. What other subjects than the so-called rivalry between Ontario and Québec could have made a better film? Add to that our national sports, hockey, and you've got a winner. It's a winner also because it's funny, especially the first half. The location where the first body is found is hilarious! Patrick Huard and Colm Feore are both doing an excellent job. They're supported by a great cast. I especially like Pierre Lebeau. That guy knows how to swear! Of course, it's full of clichés and stereotypes that the population from the two provinces (English and French) have of the other. But that's why it's so funny. I hope this film does very well at the box-office. My guess though is that people from outside Canada will not find it as interesting. But too bad! Seen in Toronto, at the Beach Cinemas, on August 18th, 2006.

79/100 (***)