A good Action/Thriller Movie. Proof yet again that France can deliver good movies in the genre. After reading the 14 reviews that preceded mine and doing a little digging, I was able to find out the origin of the character, specifically that it is a character from illustrated or graphic novels created by Jean Van Hamme and Philippe Francq. I also noticed that there was a television series based on the same work.
Well that being said, I admit enjoying Julien Rappeneau and Jérôme Salle's scenario adaptation. I am not in any way attempting to critique or compare the movie adaptation to either the graphic novel or the TV series. The movie, as a standalone work, was most entertaining.
The pace is fast but has necessary slower scenes allowing us to get to understand the characters and the circumstances, instead of being driven solely by action and special effects, both of which are not lacking in the least. I was unfamiliar with most actors in this movie and I thoroughly enjoyed the performances, particularly the one of the lead role. Familiar only (to me) was Kristin Scott Thomas who plays the key character Ann Ferguson which, based on the later scenes in this movie, will certainly, and sadly for me, not be back in the 2011 sequel (which I look forward to seeing), also a Jérôme Salle written and directed movie.
I don't like to read reviews that affirm either Hollywood or Euro made action and thriller movies being better than the other; it's a matter of taste, not opinion which means those who can enjoy both have the best of both worlds. I am very happy to see Euro made action and thriller movies as a welcome change of perspective and culture. Pity for those who only want to eat fried chicken and potatoes; they are missing out on all the other culinary delights. So it goes for movies and books. The graphic novel The Heir – Largo Winch, is not one of a super hero like so many American ones are; instead it is a novel based on a regular person living an extraordinary life and that type of adventure put to screen is one I hope you will like as much as I did.
Well that being said, I admit enjoying Julien Rappeneau and Jérôme Salle's scenario adaptation. I am not in any way attempting to critique or compare the movie adaptation to either the graphic novel or the TV series. The movie, as a standalone work, was most entertaining.
The pace is fast but has necessary slower scenes allowing us to get to understand the characters and the circumstances, instead of being driven solely by action and special effects, both of which are not lacking in the least. I was unfamiliar with most actors in this movie and I thoroughly enjoyed the performances, particularly the one of the lead role. Familiar only (to me) was Kristin Scott Thomas who plays the key character Ann Ferguson which, based on the later scenes in this movie, will certainly, and sadly for me, not be back in the 2011 sequel (which I look forward to seeing), also a Jérôme Salle written and directed movie.
I don't like to read reviews that affirm either Hollywood or Euro made action and thriller movies being better than the other; it's a matter of taste, not opinion which means those who can enjoy both have the best of both worlds. I am very happy to see Euro made action and thriller movies as a welcome change of perspective and culture. Pity for those who only want to eat fried chicken and potatoes; they are missing out on all the other culinary delights. So it goes for movies and books. The graphic novel The Heir – Largo Winch, is not one of a super hero like so many American ones are; instead it is a novel based on a regular person living an extraordinary life and that type of adventure put to screen is one I hope you will like as much as I did.