Assolutamente famosi

This film was reccomended to me by some Belgian people I talk to on the net, they said it was one of the best to come out of their country so I decided to check it out. All in all, I have to say that I really enjoyed it. It's not entirely original, but what it lacks in originality, it makes up for with it's ability to charm and entertain. I don't want to give away too much of it, but the story mainly revolves around fame and the desire to achieve it. Of course, it's always much harder for some, more so than others; mainly those who aren't blessed with the looks, or all of the talent. "Everybody's Famous" is one of those rare, truly "feel good" films that don't come around too often. Hollywood often tries to make films like this, but often fall flat by making it too cutesy. One thing I don't understand about this movie is how it ever got rated "R"... were the ratings board members drunk or asleep the day they rated this movie? There's no bad language in it, and only a brief amount of (non-explicit) nudity. So, if you're wondering if it's appropriate for the younger crowd, I would definately reccomend it for them; it should've been rated PG-13. The bottom line is, if you appreciate charming, feel-good flicks about the various struggles in life, then you'll love this. It was also nice to see that this film was nominated for an Academy Award in 2001 (Best Foreign Language Film).

When I saw this movie in avant-première, I had never heard of it before. But it soon swept me away. At first the story develops a bit like a Flemish version of "The Commitments" or "The Full Monty", but soon, the plot thickens. The second half of the movie is a great mix of action, TV-coverage of this action and comments on this coverage that can rival with "Natural Born Killers". When leaving the theater you know that news doesn't happen, it's made by the media and big producers.

All the while, there is still more than enough room for good character-development and humor. And by avoiding situations which are too Belgian or Dutch to be understood by others, the story can be fully enjoyed by everybody, making this a production that isn't dwarfed by big international productions.

I saw this at the Seattle International Film Festival with subtitles. Anyone that has seen "The Full Monty" will recognize themes here.

1. Industry screws over the worker. 2. Worker hatches wacky scheme to redeem himself and save his family and hopefully make lots of money. 3. Worker recruits hapless former co-worker to help with the wacky scheme.

The new twist is that the father is obsessed with his daughter becoming a singing star. To this end, he kidnaps Belgium's top pop star and as ransom demands that his new song be performed on National TV, preferably with his daughter singing it.

It's a fluffy piece but thoroughly enjoyable. Just like "The Full Monty" you're cheering for everyone in the end.

This movie reminded me of The Dinner Game crossed with The Castle. On one hand it had the audience laughing at the characters but on the other feeling sorry for them. Any movie that can achieve both of these things with such ease is a very good movie. The story is very well thought out and executed. And last but not least, to top it all off, Melbourne, Australia gets a mention! To quote the MIFF guide "Go see the real deal before Hollywood rips it off."

In this very subtle satire 'losers' get a glance at stardom. And it's the way director Deruddere portrays them, that they stay authentic and win your sympathy, rather than empathy. Father (De Pauw), your average hard-working factory man, is so obsessed with the singing career of his not so talented daughter (named after Marva, a famous Belgian singing icon) that, after he's been put out of his job, he decides to kidnap a famous Belgian singer to get the attention of her manager. He wants fame, she wants it too, but doesn't know what she's in for. After the kidnapping has taken place a great satire unfolds that stays entertaining till the end, without getting absurd (well just a little). A very enjoyable little film that deserves a bigger audience than it got.