Just Visiting (2001)

This is the American remake of one our best classic comedy. The originality for us french people is that this remake uses the same original and french duo of medieval heroes ! Thus as this movie deals with time travel, we get a really innovative experiment : if « BTF2 » was a travel into « BTF1 », this remake is like going into a parallel earth : it's the same story more or less, the same scenes and funny moments but in a total, new environment because we jump from a small rural french village to big city Chicago ! When it becomes even more crazy for me, it's because I know a bit Chicago after visiting it so i was as well in a known territory ! I found « Kelly Bundy » to do a good job and in all cases with more talent that the dreadful Robin used in the french sequel ! In a way, the variations really clarify and wakes up the story ; the production has more money to do great sets and effects ! It's true that i don't laugh as much, maybe because i was always in the gang ! But i also watched it in french so i lost all the pleasure to hear my fellows speak in medieval English ! In addition, it's a pity that the heir of Jacquouille has been erased because as Clavier was a electrical maniac funny actor, his character misses. To conclude, the remake is a bit less good than the french original but much better than its sequel !

This is among the many movies that I came across watching on CW. Since I've never seen the original, I can't comment on that nor can I say which of the two versions I think is superior, or which one I'd prefer over the other. But what I will state is this: This is on my top-movies- from-this-past-decade list! A 12th century French count known as Thibault of Malfete and noble servant named Andre turn to a wizard for help after Thibault's bride-to-be has a malevolent spell casted over her. But the wizardry goes wrong, and instead, the two are sent to 21st century Chicago. While there, they meet Thibault's descendant, Julia and as they explore the windy city and learn, and adjust to the latest technology, they try to find a way to return to their own home (and original time). But that's only if they can overcome some obstacles that may get in their way. This movie was/is so great that I just had to order and buy a copy of the DVD eventually. That's just how great it really is. There are never any signs of the feature's momentum of non-stop hilarity slowing down. Just watch for yourselves. Loved every minute of it.

Has anyone else noticed the Nighthawks (Edward Hopper, 1942) reference in the diner right before Julia learns how to use the sword? There is a redheaded woman in a red dress and a man in a fedora sitting at the counter. The person behind the counter is wearing a paper hat. I know the painting hangs in the Art Institute of Chicago, but I don't know if the scene is supposed to be in Chicago or New York or just a generic diner in a city. Since there was no commentary on the DVD I rented, I couldn't find out the reasoning behind including the characters from that painting. Any help? Peggy

This film is a gem! My eight year old son and I watched this film and loved it. It is intelligent, funny, & full of surprises. It is so difficult to find a non-animated, non-Disney film that is not watered down to appeal to every kid and parent. This one makes kids have to stretch their thinking out-of-the box and is hilarious. Oh yes it is a familiar formula, but the way this one is done is fresh to me. The production values are high and show it. The entire cast was a joy. My favorite was the great french actor Jean Reno, who was quite believable as the knight. Keep in mind some of the concepts may be a wee bit complex for younger kids ( five and under perhaps). If you need a family film that will not bore you to death! this is the one to rent. I think it would make a great gift because no one has heard of it!