| Reviewer Roundup |
| 1. |
 | Dustin Putman |
| review follows |
|  |
| 2. |
| Harvey Karten |
| read the review |
| --- |
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Review by Dustin Putman
2 stars out of 4
In its native France, 1993's time travel comedy, "Les Visiteurs," became a
breakout hit that ended up outgrossing "Jurassic Park" in that respective
year. When it was finally released in the United States, it flopped, but
Hollywood's viewpoint was that all it needed was an American remake for it to
become a financial success. In a rare move, the original's director,
Jean-Marie Poire, and main stars, Jean Reno and Christian Clavier, have
reunited for "Just Visiting," which is cursorily enjoyable, but almost
instantly forgettable.
In a prologue set in 12th-century England, the honorable Count Thibault (Jean
Reno) is preparing to marry his beloved Rosalind (Christina Applegate). When
he becomes victim to witchcraft and ends up accidentally killing his fair
love, he seeks out the help of a wizard (Malcolm McDowell) to cast a spell on
him and his goofily faithful servant, Andre (Christian Clavier), to send them
back in time to the moment preceding Rosalind's untimely death.
The spell goes awry, however, and Count Thibault and Andre end up awaking in
Chicago, circa 2000. In an entirely different place and time than they have
ever known, they are both mystified and frightened of the inventions and way
of life in the modern world, standing as two fish helplessly out of water.
Almost immediately after landing in the present day, they have a chance meet
with Julia Malfete (Applegate, in a dual role), a
great-great-great-great-great descendant of Rosalind, who takes them in and
helps them in finding a way back home.
With a screenplay by Jean-Marie Poire, Christian Clavier, and John Hughes,
"Just Visiting" takes its time in setting up the premise, but finds much
physical comedy once things get going. The movie is very funny some of the
time, and occasionally clever, but is so slight that it offers nothing
worthwhile outside of a few laughs. The featherweight plot lacks an urgency
that fails to ever involve the viewer in the goings-on, and with the end
credits comes a feeling of time that could have certainly been more
well-spent.
Jean Reno and Christian Clavier, as Count Thibault and Andre, expertly play
two 12th-century men humorously floundering in the 21st-century, and no
wonder--they played the same exact roles in "Les Visiteurs," unseen by
myself. Their characters never feel like anything other than pawns, though,
so it is difficult to invest any interest on their returning to England and
setting things right.
The American actors who surround them are all rising young actors whose
involvement in such a minor, wasteful effort boggles the mind. Christina
Applegate (1998's "The Big Hit"), as both Rosalind and Julia, is a bright
actress whom I've admired ever since her days on TV's "Married...with
Children," and she is very good here, trying to keep a straight face amidst
the insanity that is brought with two men from medieval times transplanted in
the year 2000. Matt Ross (2000's "American Psycho"), as Julia's slimy
fiancee; Bridgette Wilson-Sampras (2001's "The Wedding Planner"), as his
mistress; and Tara Reid (2000's "Dr. T and the Women"), as a free spirit who
catches the eye of Andre, have one-dimensional supporting roles.
As a movie that just happens to be playing on cable late one night, "Just
Visiting" might be a harmless way to spend an hour-and-a-half before heading
to sleep. As a theatrical release, its aspirations are hopeless, and its
chance of financial success is about as promising as "Battlefield Earth 2."
Hollywood Pictures would have been best off had they just left well-enough
alone.
Copyright © 2001 Dustin Putman
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