Jean-Philippe

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.

Fabrice Lucchini is a frail-looking, slightly manic, literary type who is perfectly capable of doing highly successful one-man shows where he reads poetry. Casting him as a middle-class washout whose sole passion is the music of a 60-year-old rocker sounds odd, but it works.

And one night Fabrice (both the lead characters use their real first names in the film. There may or may not be a reason for this) takes a bump to the back of his head and wakes up in a parallel universe where his idol, Johnny, never made it to the French equivalent of "Opportunity Knocks", was never Discovered, never became a star...

Johnny Hallyday is the stage name of one Jean-Philippe Smet (hence the title). Think of him as,say, the French equivalent of Cliff Richard. Still going strong at 60, whether or not you like his music you have to recognise he has undeniable talent as a musician. He also turns in quite a creditable performance for the film, and is a realistic counterweight to the effervescent Lucchini.

The film is a pleasant, and eminently watchable, comedy. There are plenty of good jokes, although those who don't follow French popular culture might miss one or two references. It shouldn't spoil the film. Enjoy.

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 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.

I didn't expected to see such a good movie! First I must say i'm not a Johnny Hallyday fan, though I respect him for the energy and strength he has. It's a brilliant comedy, with a great Fabrice Luchini, and a Johnny Hallyday that is not totally in its own character, and that gives here one of its greatest film. The idea of the scenario is very well found, but for a non-french person, this movie may seem weird, as one must know the unique "role" Johnny has in french music. For many, as the character played by Luchini, he's the greatest french singer of all times. That may be true, or not, but it's this uniqueness of Johnny that gives a sense to that movie.