Fabulosas Aventuras de um Playboy

this is a remake of "L'homme de Rio" of the same director and also starring Belmondo. The producers told De Broca to make a "super"-L'homme de Rio this time. But the comedy is taken a bit too far this time, which means the border to pure slapstick is crossed several times throughout the movie, which is unfortunate. Also the actor of the suicidal millionaire and the actor playing his butler should have switched roles; I think even the director stated that once in an interview.

There are several references to its preceding movie, most obvious; in one scene the girl calls Belmondo "Arthur" instead of "Adrien"; "Arthur" was the name of Belmondos character in the first movie. In the first movie Belmondo asks his girl; "what's next, are we going to China?".

User reviews of "L'homme de Rio" correctly mention the fact that Spielberg very obviously was inspired by that '63 French movie when making Indiana Jones. Well, watch this movie and you will experience even more deja-vus.

This is a well done and very entertaining adventure-comedy movie. Go see it.

I saw this when it was shown recently on TCM, because I have enjoyed Jean Paul Belmondo's films, particularly "The Burglars". Also this film had supposedly provided some inspiration for the "Indiana Jones" films.

Belmondo is a playboy type, living on a ship, who is propelled into an adventure. There is no logical plot to speak of, just a continuous series of madcap events. Some incidents are entertaining, and others less so, but in any event the movie is best viewed with the brain set in neutral. The scenes involving a balloon and also the escapades on scaffolding are particularly amusing.

Inspiration maybe, but comparisons to "Indiana Jones" would seem to be superficial. This movie is more light hearted, and Belmondo is more of a bumbler than a fearless adventurer. There is a scene with a vine bridge across a canyon, which was also part of "Temple of Doom's" plot, but that aside there are no obvious similarities.

Ursula Andress however, appears on a beach in a white bikini very similar to the one she wore in "Dr. No".

In summary, this is not bad if you don't mind a scattered but creative plot. See this if you have the chance just for the experience. It's fun, but not quite for everyone.

K-Rating: 5/10

Turbulent, fast-paced comedy adventure (one of the best of its time) about unhappy billionaire Belmondo, whose suicide attempts keep failing. When he hires some killers to do him in, he falls in love with beautiful Andress and wants to reverse the deal. Belmondo is ideally suited to this role, exotic locations and lots of stunts make this a joy to watch. A worthy companion piece to the Bond movies of that time. Based on a Jules Verne novel. Score by Georges Delerue. English title: UP TO HIS EARS.

...if you haven't seen it, seek it out... an absolute must! Text-book example of a fast pace... still unequalled in its mad-cap sequences

This film was intended to be a bigger sequel that Man from Rio was lesser. The story is less logical and the adventure less subtle. The sequences are lost in grandeur and it is played in the absurd, almost like Monty Python. Several very good stunts nonetheless.

It's not boring and we find Ursula Andress, charming and intelligent. She is also part of the adventure.

Almost shot entirely on location, we can see a time capsule of very exotic places for us.

I liked certain adventurous moments and certain funny moments more than others. The weakest part of the film is the story which lacks credibility and which is played too much as a joke, I think.

Apparently - "Up To His Ears" (from 1965) was the rip-roarin' French comedy that actually inspired American film-maker, Steven Spielberg to undertake directing "Raiders Of The Lost Ark" (from 1984).

To be sure - When certain scenes (involving some truly wild and incredible stunts) take place in the action - The viewer will automatically recognize clear similarities between these 2 pictures.

I'd also say that there is clearly something of a "decidedly" Monty Python-esque feel to the overall flow of events that take place in this wacky tale, as well.

But - Unfortunately - When it comes to the whole slapstick eccentricity of this film's zany action - It seems that the French don't appear to know too much about creative restraint. And, so - Before long - This potentially amusing tale gets too carried away with itself. And, with that - Coherent sensibility promptly sails right out the window.