Film Reviews

Just Visiting

• Rating:
• Director: Jean-Marie Gaubert.
• Starring: Jean Reno, Christian Clavier, Christina Applegate, Tara Reid, Malcolm McDowell, Bridgette Wilson-Sampras, John Alyward
• Details: US and Fra/ 88 mins / (12PG).

Another big budget remake of a successful European film, Just Visiting sees a noble medieval French lord, Count Thibault of Malfete (Jean Reno) and his faithful servant, Andre le Pate (Christian Clavier) propelled across time and space. Instead of landing in modern day provincial France (as in the original), the pair end up in 21st Century Chicago after Thibault accidentally kills his future wife, Lady Rosalind (Applegate), and has to reverse the course of time to right that wrong. Unfortunately, the English wizard (Malcolm McDowell) they employ to concoct their magic potion isn't exactly au fait with the ins-and-outs of time travel and accidentally propels them into the future. Thanks to its attempts to appeal to as broad a base as possible, Just Visiting lacks a certain edge and vitality. It would be easy to claim that Just Visiting loses something in the translation, but gags are simply stretched too far and characterisation - with the exception of the likeable Reno - is non-existent. While there are a couple of chuckle-worthy moments, Just Visiting is a tired, laboured effort.

Review by Garreth Murphy