Die Mamba

Aka washed out Mamba. And by the way this is nothing like Johnny English. Because even when Rowan Atkinson is silly, in his "worst" moments as Johnny English, it never gets as low as this. Plus, while Christoph Maria Herbst is a good actor and always brings intensity to his roles, the same cannot be said of the rest of the cast. Our main character/actor may be a great comedian outside of film, but this can barely translate on screen, when the juvenile jokes misfire as often as his pistol does (if not even more often).

It's a bit uneven too. With the sexual attraction for example it tries to make fun of it, by not going that route (which is silly and not funny), just to change that towards the end and "doing" it. Which is not the worst thing happening here, but if you really dare find out for yourself

The opening credits are quite cute in the old comic style.

Michael Niavarani, is a well-known Austrian cabaret artist, actor and author, who acts here in a double role. Christoph Maria Herbst, as a CIA special investigator, well... lol - somehow it remains a "Stromberg" who makes on thick pants, unfortunately no new facet.

There are also other well-known personalities, like Proschat Madani, Max Herbrechter, Teddy Teclebrhan, Monika Gruber... But my favorites in the strip are clearly Michael Niavarani & Proschat Madani, she plays with him best. Her wig reminds of "Peggy Bundy".

There are already funny moments here and there, but also many classic "Kamellen". Michael Niavarani can't shine like in his programs, but he creates amusing moments here and there with his very dry manner. You can feel the parody, of course everything is exaggerated and over the top. For an evening when you want to have light entertainment, without much depth, away from the usual Hollywood Klamauk, can still be entertained here with light fare without great expectations, if you are in the mood for something like that.

------------- Conclusion: So-so.

I watched "The Mamba" in Vienna in a sold out theater. People were laughing the whole time... It was a grate atmosphere.

Michael Niavarani, the super-star of the Austrian cabaret, Proshat Madani, Christoph Maria Herbst the super-star of the German-comedy and also the "Tomb Rider" Melika Forutan are all doing a really great job. The film is a mix between Slapstick, screwball-comedy and Action-film. The Camera has a very unusual stile for an Austrian film and also the set design of the film never gives you the feeling of an Austrian production! :)

I think if you like Johnny English, you will enjoy also "The Mamba"!!