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This overrated film centering on the relationships of a sick family neither succeeds as a comedy nor as a family drama. It is mostly unfunny although populated by a lot of weird characters and only little is revealed about the motives for their strange ways of behaviour (which are suggested to be mostly found in the past). Thus, the good cast doing their best cannot overcome the feeling of aloofness that makes you stop caring about what's happening to them. The film has a good look and a nice soundtrack but that's not enough to make up for the weaknesses of the script.

The story of Amélie Poulain, her coming out of her own private world, is told in a very charming manner. The film is, typical of its director Jeunet, replete with funny ideas, odd characters and ingenious details. Amélie is wonderfully played by Tautou and surrounded by a very good supporting cast. The lovely accordion music score and the nice camera work can only add to the somewhat dreamlike atmosphere created by this romantic comedy. One of the best films of the year.

I happened to see this movie as a surprise preview and immediately regretted it: it was a total waste of time and money. This action-"comedy" features a kind of low-level humor that not even the Farrelly brothers can come close to. Story and characters are ridiculous and cliché-ridden to the hilt, so the only way to make it through the film (if you really have to) is following the saying "When in Rome, do as the Romans do": getting properly drunk before.