The Marquis (2011)
Thomas Gardesse, a traveling alarm systems salesman, is arrested for a minor offense and sentenced to six months imprisonment. To win the respect of his fellow inmates, he claims he is "The Marquis," a brilliant robber whose identity has remained a mystery. Two weeks before his release, an armed robber named Quentin Tasseau helps him escape and takes him to Manila so he can take part in a robbery whose mastermind requires the talents of the Marquis.
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So much average
Powerful
Highly Overrated But Still Good
Through painfully honest and emotional moments, the movie becomes irresistibly relatable
It's rather weakest comedy from France unfortunately. Very stupid plot, low level jokes performed by very good actors Franck Dubosc and Richard Berry. In watching of this film I felt that its done not with skill, it done not up to par. It seems to have everything big money, clever devising of a scam, but it looks boring. But by the way, robbery in the ending of movie looks very convincing and amusing. I very love French movies, I love their a little crazy humor and little naive, but touching stories and "Le Marquis" is not the worst what I have ever seen but the classic masterpieces by Francis Veber or Claude Zidi as "Les ripoux", "Banzaï", "Inspecteur la Bavure", "Le jouet", "La chèvre", "Les compères" and others, this film is much strongly inferior.
Caught this film on a French cable network recently. The premise sounded good, however, the execution left this viewer expecting more. As conceived by Dominique Farrugia and his collaborators, the film probably looked a lot better on the written page than what develops on the screen. Granted, it had the right ingredients, but the results are somewhat mixed, as though the creative team ran out of steam half way during the production. There are sequences that feel flat that do not go anywhere. The convoluted plot to get the millions, even for a comedy does not make much sense.We are given two men, as opposite from one another as oil and vinegar. Quentin, a criminal trying to rob a bank on Place Vandome, is outsmarted and robbed of money he borrowed from Jo, a big crime boss. Being in debt, Quentin must do something to return the money. Unknown to him, Thomas, a man who landed in jail for something unconnected, makes a name for himself in prison. He is known as the marquis, so Quentin believes he will be the ideal partner for a big heist Jo has put together in Manila. Unfortunately, Quentin does not know the guy is a fake.Frank Dubosc plays Thomas using a lot of gags that do not add much to the film. Richard Berry, a reliable actor who always delivers, is at a disadvantage as Quentin, playing the straight guy in the comedy. Jean-Hughes Anglade, who is always seen as the heavy in most films, appears as Jo, the criminal boss. The film is good for a few laughs. Could Hollywood be interested in a remake? Who knows, but let's hope it stays a French misfire that will not get a new life in America.