Les Grandes Vacances

it is not the best movie of Louis de Funes. but that fact not represents a great sin because the old recipes works, the humor is good, the clash between the values of college director and his students - amusing and the adventures to Le Havre nice at whole. a good point - the conflict between French and Englishmen, almost a sketch but used with inspired precise. a film about holiday,interesting, not extraordinary or seductive but covered by the talent of one of greatest actors. a film for entire family. and that fact is the essential virtue for discover/remind the spirit of a French cinema style. summer, holiday and a great actor. it could be enough.

The magnificent French comic actor Louis de Funès demonstrates his talent in this French-Italian film.He plays Charles Bosquier- a grumpy principal of a reputable boys college.Bosquier always controls his students very strictly.His problems start when an exchange program sends an attractive 19 year-old girl to his college in order to spend the summer vacation there and learn more about the French culture.Bosquier's son falls in love with her and they run away.So,the principal is on the verge of madness and he starts chasing them. The film contains lots of funny scenes and humor and of course the superb acting of Louis de Funès.Honestly,the scenario has some weak points.Definitely,"Les Grandes vacances" is not one of the best films of Funès but it is worth seeing.

Les Grandes Vacances isn't the best movie with Louis de Funès but it's a movie with Louis de Funès so per definition it's always worth a watch. He plays the usual very nervous but convincing madman, a role that suits him so good. Every movie with him is like watching a one-man-show. Remove Louis de Funès from this movie and you just have a bleak story nobody is interested in, but with the best comedian France has ever produced it's just different. I rewatched this movie just to enjoy his gimmicks and facial expressions, like most people do.

I quite agree with Elmaruecan82's long and excellent review. I will take away one further star because of the treatment and terrible shooting conditions those poor horses in the last scene obviously had to go through. Just for this I would recommend boycotting this movie! But it's too bad because, as has been observed, the premise is great and a perfect opportunity for a fun, cross-cultural window on 1967, and all the right comedians are in the cast (even Claude Gensac). It's just mostly bad, over-the-top, comedic stuff, deprived altogether of the quasi-surrealism of the best De Funès entries of his prime years. Even himself plays kind of low-key here... And his verbal fighting scenes with his English antagonist are poorly improvised...

The Exchange Student, starring the inimitable Louis de Funès, easily earns a 9/10 from me. Standing alongside classics like Fantomas and The Gendarme, this film highlights de Funès' exceptional comedic talent, making it one of his best.

In this delightful comedy, de Funès' signature energy and comedic timing are on full display. His ability to convey humor through a blend of physical comedy and expressive facial reactions is as brilliant as ever. The film's storyline, revolving around the antics and misadventures of an exchange student, provides the perfect setup for de Funès to showcase his comedic prowess.

What sets The Exchange Student apart is its clever writing and the seamless way humor is woven into the plot. The situational comedy, combined with de Funès' performance, creates a series of laugh-out-loud moments that are both timeless and universally appealing.

Moreover, the film's pacing is spot-on, ensuring that the comedy never feels forced or overdone. Each scene is carefully crafted to maximize the humor while advancing the story, making for an engaging and thoroughly enjoyable viewing experience.

In summary, The Exchange Student is a standout film in Louis de Funès' illustrious career. It's a testament to his talent and a must-watch for fans of classic comedy. Its blend of clever writing, impeccable timing, and de Funès' unmatched comedic style earns it a high rating and a place among the best of his works.