Jean-Philippe

The screenplay boasts one of the best ideas of the year: knowing Hallyday's popularity -whatever you may think of his talents as a singer-in France ,you cannot imagine the second half of the 20th century without him for a French (and I mean:for a French).As an user has smartly pointed it out ,it's America without Elvis.And England without Cliff Richard.And the world without the Beatles!!! I would not be surprised if they made a remake some day .

As an user writes,Johnny is definitely not an actor.But Fabrice Lucchini is one of the best thespians of his generation.It is not enough: the first part is,at a pinch,interesting,but things peter out afterward:the ending is disappointing to a fault.We are waiting for an unexpected end ,for something weird and we are left with almost nothing.

The macho touch: in the real world, it's the woman who prepares the coffee at the office;but in the "parallel " one ,the "abnormal" universe where the idol Johnny never existed ,the roles reverse.

Johnny's fans will be overjoyed.The others can move on.

Just seen this film on a long flight like a previous commentator. Know Lucchini as an actor who I can't abide but who makes good, perhaps great, films. Saw L'Homme du Train and was surprised by Hallyday but all rock stars have one good film in them (performance, The man who fell to earth, o lucky man, PG and Billy the Kid etc). But I found myself being utterly seduced by this film. There are twists and turns that are far too cute but the film just survives them. Hollywood claims to be the capital of feel-good sentimentality but I'm afraid, as in too many things but not as many as the French think, this trumps those films with Gallic ease. This will join 'Le Bonheur est dans le pre' as one of those films to reach for when the none too subtle indignities of everyday life reach an intensity that some sort of brief and simple escape is necessary. I've even started to listen to Hallyday's songs! For this film to have had such an extreme effect it must be at least bearable.

I read in the comments the right were bought for an American remake? WOW cashing on a pop-star is easy just everywhere.

A few good moments, a few funny moments too and a remarkably good performance from Johnny as acting is not his thing. To set the whole film on the shoulders of someone who is not an actor and who just did a few cameos and guest star appearances is a proof of courage.

Fabrice Luccini is just... himself and for some people pretty annoying, but sort of okay here.

If you can watch it on a plane, OK keep your eyes open for the first half. Don't make the mistake of buying it unless you're a big big fan of Johnny.

For Johnny it shows that he may get further on the silver screen, and without doing what Miss Hilton did.

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.