Hollywoo

I really enjoyed the movie. It had some cringe moments that I think, everyone experiences once in a while. Florence Foresti played the part of Jeanne perfectly and the jokes made everyone laugh. Some of the scenes were definitely cringe-worthy but they made for a good movie. I thought the plot line was OK, however, it got a bit confusing in the middle, but it worked out in the end. I think the subtitles could be a little slower, as I found them too fast to read. This is not one of my favorite movies, but it is great to watch in class.

I can understand why this movie was not a big success. It plays on the idea of a dual culture. Florence Foresti and Jamel Debouze are constantly switching between broken English and french and making fun of a lot of American stereotypes and on the way French people speak English. After having lived for a while in the US, I found myself laughing a lot just because I got the reference. They might be super witty but it was enough for me. Foresti was playing her usual character (the one in her stand up comedy) so it was funny if you already like that exuberant character. Jamel played a character that I think he never played before: a kind of Arsene Lupin of this century and I think it was a surprising element of this movie. To conclude, I would say that it's the kind of movie that would mostly appeal to people knowing a bit of both French and American culture and speaking both language helps too.

I made a special effort to go to see this as it was only showing at one cinema in London.Sad to say it was a wasted journey.The first half hour set in Paris was quite amusing.however when it got to Los Angeles the film really lost its way.Every character that the actress met was either odd or just plain crazy.The main actress seemed to think that wildly overacting equaled funny,well it doesn't in my book.Furthermore to make matters worse she would sometimes be addressing characters in french and other times in English and they would respond accordingly.So it became impossible at times to work out exactly what was being said in what language.The film was 107 minutes long and that was at least 15 minutes too long.I think that The Artist is a far superior French view of Hollywood.

Read it here: http://squeerelist.blogspot.com/2013/06/hollywoo-2011.html

Jennifer Marshall is Hollywood's It Girl starring in the over-publicized TV show L.A. Couples. Jeanne is her French dubbing artist whose career depends on Marshall's fame. When Jennifer decides to retire after her co-star and boyfriend cheats on her, Jeanne feels like her own career is over. She flies to LA to meet Jennifer and try to make her reconsider... It's a funny and fresh movie displaying the views of the French on Hollywood and its excessive way of life. The main actors are very popular French comedians (Florence Foresti & Jamel Debbouze) and I think you'll find this movie funny if you already know Foresti's work. It may not be a good movie for someone who is not into contemporary French culture. The cast is very eclectic and you'll find American, French, Canadian actors and more. Hollywoo may not end up in my Top 10 Comedies but I spent an enjoyable moment watching it. You should definitely give it a try and share your opinion with me!

1 reason to watch: if you have any interest in French comedians

First of all let's get one thing straight; this film does not set itself out to be a classic!

I have watched many great French movies over the years and whilst this film is a long way from being one of my favourites, it is nonetheless a fun easy-to-watch film and this is precisely what the films sets out to be! There are some humorous scenes in this film and the two main actors play their roles well. You might not burst out laughing but you will certainly smile to yourself whilst watching the film. I think people who give the film negative reviews must take themselves and films in general way too seriously. The film is a great one to watch if you are studying French as it gives you a chance to see French and English together. You can see how the French view American culture and see the French laugh at themselves struggling with English. If every time you watched a film you expected it to be a masterpiece then more often than not you will be disappointed. However if like me, sometimes you just want to watch something entertaining (and maybe challenge your French), then this film is great for that!