Topolinyy pukh

A bit rushed and not always consistent, but still a witty exercise in the crime comedy genre. The division into chapters is executed well, giving the film a necessary structure and allowing the audience to appreciate the story from different angles, creating a sense of control over time. The plot unfolds rapidly, enriched by exceptional acting performances. The energetic nostalgic soundtrack deserves special mention, seamlessly integrated into the fabric of the film. Particularly fitting is the theme of the "dad" character played by Vitaly Khaev, which isn't surprising given his extensive acting experience. The clever nod to the "Ivanushki" (a popular Russian pop group) hits the mark, and it's encouraging to see Russian cinema increasingly using such techniques. Anton Lapenko and Aglaya Tarasova deliver the right energy and drama, though at times their performances feel slightly strained, possibly due to the script losing some momentum towards the end, leaving the characters with somewhat weak final motivations.

In a crime comedy, the balance between dark humor and outright bleakness is crucial, and this film nails it. The creators couldn't resist adding a few quintessentially Russian clichés, for which they're to be thanked, but perhaps the film could have done without them. Visually, the movie is impressive: the cinematography is top-notch, with skillful use of creative filming techniques, making the film even more engaging. Final score: 8.6/10.