Wolff rating: GOOD
Plot summary: 11th century count and his servant try to save the life of his loved lady by travelling to, well, France.
Biased, pithy comments: France is a foreign country with foreign ideas of what is funny. Jerry Lewis jokes aside, this means that a comedy subtitled for American viewers can sometimes seem foreign rather than funny. Despite that, this movie bops along at a fair pace with some rather amusing moments (i.e. the opening credits) and some frankly hilarious moments (like the knight attacking the deliveryman). At times the jokes are slapstick or just gross-out, and, yes, we all know that medieval people smell pretty bad, but if you can overlook these moments you see a movie that has subtle things to say about class distinctions, nobility, money, and power. In a largely classless society like the United States, this might mean we don't get it. I did, though, and found it by parts funny, clever, absurd, and slapstick. I liked the first three parts, and could have left the other one with Jim Carrey.
Other Notes: There's a big plot twist that most reviewers mention, since the posters mention it. I think it would be a more fun movie if we didn't, though, so you'll find no reference to it in is review.
How many times I have seen it: x1
Starring: Jean Reno, Christian Clavier, Valerie Lemercier.
Directed by: Jean-Marie Poire