Hi everyone!
Just me again today, with another French film, although this time a comedy and in collaboration with Belgium. For a few films from the Belgian film scene, check out “Nocturama” (Episode #184), “The Insult” (Episode #196), “Let The Sunshine In” (Episode #318), and “Nothing to Hide” (Episode #336).
Here we go!
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Today’s movie is “Budapest”, the Netflix Original comedy directed by Xavier Gens and written for the screen by Simon Moutairou and Manu Payet. The film follows Vincent (Manu Payet) and Arnaud (Jonathan Cohen), best friends who decide to go into business as professional bachelor party planners in Budapest, and predictably, get involved in quite a few misadventures.
No spoilers!
Predictability and indulgence are two words I would use to describe today’s film. Neither is a bad way for a film to be described, because in many ways, the best films provide both for the widest audiences, unlike films made for niche audiences like “Paris Is Us” (Episode #436). Most comedy, including today’s film, requires liberal helpings of both, often using incredible scenarios that either depict indulgent acts or allow the audience to indulge in their misfortune. “Budapest” smashes both together, into a film about planning bachelor parties, an excellent metaphor for the desire for predictable indulgence, but with a surprising amount of effective drama as well.
The strength of the film lies with its cast. Manu Payet and Jonathan Cohen make an excellent, if privileged duo that guide us through a mythical world where folks can quit their jobs to curate stag parties in consequence-free environments, all with the financial and emotional support of their wives, Cécile (Alice Belaïdi) and Audrey (Alix Poisson). Well, eventually, anyway, whether they like it or not. There’s also the duo’s contact in Budapest, Georgio (Monsieur Poulpe), and his wife and we’ll say business partner, Suzanna (Henrietta Edvi). The chemistry among the entire cast is a lot of fun, once you know how wild a ride to expect.
The overall execution of the film, though, has some noticeable flaws. Great edits, like the climb to success montage and the VIP club sequences, struggle against more drawn out comedic and dramatic sequences, killing pace for what should be an indulgent film. Characters feel forced to radically change to set up the ending, and it feels like we’re a bit shortchanged at the end, much like most bachelor parties feel, I imagine. I wouldn’t know; I never really had a bachelor party. Also, I felt a little icky about the level of worker and class exploitation throughout the film needed to provide that indulgence. Much like the few bachelor parties I’ve attended.
“Budapest” (2018) is a predictable romp into a world where anything goes, driven by sex, drugs, alcohol, and any other vice you could imagine, even the most dangerous game. Well, sort of. It provides a lot of laughs, but with a few noticeable flaws. Fans of indulgent, vice-fueled comedies should definitely check out this film. Everyone else, avoid the figs.
Rotten Tomatoes: NR
Metacritic: NR
One Movie Punch: 7.2/10
“Budapest” (2018) is rated TV-MAand is currently playing on Netflix.
