Cocorico

The concept of the movie seemed interesting. Rich people from well-known families discovering that their roots may be more humble than they think, or the opposite, seemed an interesting concept to explore. However, the movie just isn't funny at all. I am not offended by the stereotypical jokes, but they need to be funny and original.

The narrative is boring and the pacing is very slow, especially the first act. The movie spends a lot of time introducing the parents and it becomes boring. It would be funnier if they spent more time analyzing their ancestors history, how the characters' lives are affected by this new information. Instead, they prefer running old, unoriginal jokes -- Germans are Nazis, Portuguese are maids and plumbers, and so on. Those jokes could have been funny, but the script is just bad.

Finally, the direction and cinematography of the movie are plain boring. The movie doesn't have descriptive scenes to break the cadence of the narrative, so the movie feels like a continuous sequence of dialogs, with no time for the viewers to reflect on what they are watching. The actors are also below par, although I like Christian Clavier, but I admit the script doesn't help them.

This comedy might (well I'm pretty sure) not please the 'woke' generation, you know the ones that get offended by almost everything, but if you have a good sense of humor and are not easily offended by racial stereotypes and clichés you will probably enjoy this French comedy. I like almost every movie with Christian Clavier (from l'équipe du Splendid, a well known bunch of French comedians) so watching Cocorico it was almost a certainty I would like it. Didier Bourdon (better known from Les Inconnus) plays the rival of Christian Clavier and what started as a hopefully new friendship quickly turns into a verbal war between them. Sylvie Testud plays the wife of Didier Bourdon and acts like the queen of England. It's all very funny to follow, you just have to give it some time as the beginning starts slow, but once they get going there is no stopping them. I had a good time watching this French comedy, probably because I'm not woke enough in this ridiculous society that takes everything too seriously. Just relax and enjoy the show.

No pun intended - and obviously this has nothing to do with the Ms. Claude movies. I think we have three at this moment? I should know I watched them all - so I am probably just kidding (or am I?). And while the actor who is also known as Ms. Claude (in those other movies), plays a main role here too and is quite ... well he has some issues and racism is one of them. So while there are some similarities there are also differences ... he is of a rich family here. Which also makes him look down upon "common" folk.

The movie does take a while to get going, but we do get a lot of ... well let's just say the French do not take prisoners! Everyone and everything is being dragged through the mud. Political correctness? Well no chance for that here - a lot of cliches, a lot of things used that have a racial undertone to say the least. And I am mincing my words here, because if I wrote some of the things they say in the movie ... my review would get passed.

So you should not be over sensitive to say the least. I don't think "woke" is a bad thing - the director/characters here feel quite differently ... and that is putting it mildly ... it's funny because you laugh? Well you decide ...

A light-hearted commedy that plays a lot with stereotypes.

The movie takes a lot of time to come to the point. Especially the introduction drags on for quite some time. The audience probably knows a couple of minutes in advance what's going to happen. The three couples and their relationships towards each other are interesting, but especially the young couple has no real connection and no chemistry. They are just there and are not given much space to act.

I had a few real laughs, especially when it came to the French/German/English jokes, but then again it was all too stereotyped-up. I'd wished for some more originality.

Maybe a fitting movie for a boring Sunday evening, not so much as a cinematic experience. It's just too shallow for that.

Spoiler Free Review

The plot revolves around the theme of ethnic heritage and belonging. Although I like the idea of the plot, it could use a more streamlined and meaningful storyline. The film navigates through varying tones - casual, formal, comedic, overly silly, and exaggerated - creating a mixed bag of emotions.

The cinematography and editing, though basic, effectively capture the essence of each moment, balancing clarity with depth. However, I have mixed feelings about the editing. The editing sometimes appears rushed, disrupting the flow with abrupt transitions.

The first act is focused on character introductions, their backgrounds and personalities, yet feels somewhat tedious despite its insightful moments. The narrative pace is decent but lacks enough engagement to keep the interest piqued.

In contrast, the second act introduces a flavorful mix of internal and external drama, injecting curiosity and humor into the storyline. The exploration of characters' concerns over their ethnic heritage unfolds with visual flair and comedic timing, showcasing a range of emotions. Some show ego, worry, relief, and pleasure.

The cast's performances range from average to commendable, with certain scenes showcasing their skills as actors.

Conclusion:

Cocorico is a mixed bag. It's marred by pacing issues and an inconsistent tone that may alienate some viewers. Despite its flaws, the film conveys a meaningful message: the significance of growing up in a culture that shapes one's identity, overshadowing the boundaries of ethnic heritage. My final rating stands at 5/10, reflecting a cinematic experience and overall enjoyment. It shines in the idea of the story but falters in execution.