Daddy or Mommy

Since most comedies are dumb and dumber I wait for positive word of mouth (from reliable viewers) to watch one. Papa ou Maman did quite well at the box-office and someone told me it was funny so I eventually checked it, my expectations set very low since comedy is seen by producers as a safe bet (to sell the project) rather than a fine challenge (to make a fine movie, discover talent, start a franchise...).

Papa ou Maman sports an enjoyable dose of slapstick, yet it doesn't go all the way to slapstick. That is its big flaw: many situations are just plain crazy but in between the main characters just seems ordinary, too ordinary, bordering boring. Be it a writing or producing defect, the result is a movie lacking rhythm and just stretched to fill the compulsory 85min.

So I'd say it was a fine surprise for someone expecting nothing, but it is basically just an interesting blueprint for remake. An English remake that would dare to go slapstick, with 2 furious parents, 2 spoilt brats and 1 fine kid.

This is the worst "movie" I ever saw. Its heartless, pointless and its not even funny they are killing kids like Hitler yolo

Not as in "not there" or shut off, but as in not your usual simple style. Some would call it inconsistent or lacking focus and flow. Also some might miss this going completely the slapstick route. But the rhythm this sets for itself does work. Set in the real world, with two people still sort of loving each other going off the rails, because of what society expects/pressures people into.

So the basis is fundamental and the movie has something to say. That it does with some over the top situations is either funny or boring to some. I still think it does a good job staying on the right side of funny. Which is a great attribute to the actors as well. They have to sell the being in love, but still fighting against each other. The chemistry is phenomenal

Although the whole film is very relaxed and interesting, the plot and performance are also amusing, but not very like his settings, parents to divorce all kinds of child abuse.

Even while writing this review I am still grinning about this wonderfully funny story.

The good: terrific funny story, original true to life dialogues, great acting performances. Perfect balance between comedy and true to life (lighthearted) drama.

Any bad? Not really anything I can think of.

The story: a couple is out of love for each other, although they dont hate each other and they havent cheated on each other. They decide to divorce and stay good friends. Even better, they say that divorcing is the happiest period of their lives. Are they for real or are they in total denial? Duh...

This story might sound weird, but the execution of this story is such a splendid true to life depiction of everything that happens when a couple goes through a divorce. What makes this movie special is that it is serious and funny simultaneously, that's a tightrope balancing act few directors get right. This one does!

A highly recommended warmhearted and funny movie about all the pitts and downfalls when divorcing your loved one...