Jean-Philippe

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.

The screenplay boasts one of the best ideas of the year: knowing Hallyday's popularity -whatever you may think of his talents as a singer-in France ,you cannot imagine the second half of the 20th century without him for a French (and I mean:for a French).As an user has smartly pointed it out ,it's America without Elvis.And England without Cliff Richard.And the world without the Beatles!!! I would not be surprised if they made a remake some day .

As an user writes,Johnny is definitely not an actor.But Fabrice Lucchini is one of the best thespians of his generation.It is not enough: the first part is,at a pinch,interesting,but things peter out afterward:the ending is disappointing to a fault.We are waiting for an unexpected end ,for something weird and we are left with almost nothing.

The macho touch: in the real world, it's the woman who prepares the coffee at the office;but in the "parallel " one ,the "abnormal" universe where the idol Johnny never existed ,the roles reverse.

Johnny's fans will be overjoyed.The others can move on.

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.

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.

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.