The Valet Drives in Chuckles
May 18th, 2007 by peter nellhaus in Comedy, Movies, Reviews
For many people, this Summer is about seeing movies that try to outdo each other with computer generated special effects. For myself, I don’t think I will see anything more spectacular than Alice Taglioni as Elena in The Valet. I have to admit that when I saw the five foot, ten inch Taglioni striding up to the camera showing her long, long legs in a very mini, mini skirt, my critical abilities were temporarily put on hold.
This new French comedy is about a well-meaning valet, Francois, whose marriage proposal to struggling bookstore owner, Emilie, has been turned down. Accidentally photographed walking by a well-known model, Elena and a CEO, Pierre, Francois’ life turns upside down. Pierre’s wife sees the photo of her husband with his mistress, and Pierre explains that Francois is actually Elena’s boyfriend. Francois finds himself paid to pretend he is living with Elena. Suffice to say, things get more complicated after that for everyone in the film. The Valet ends happily for the deserving characters in less than an hour and a half.
The Valet is the newest film from writer-director Francis Veber. While some may not recognize his name, the Hollywood remakes of his screenplays include The Birdcage, Pure Luck and The Man with One Red Shoe. Usually Veber’s films are about an amiable loser who finds himself in an unusual situation, over his head, but finally turning tables on the person trying to take advantage of him. In addition to the comedy of errors, are sight gags. Veber also has a running gag involving a cell phone with a ring tone of the French national anthem.
As the valet of the title, Gad Elmaleh looks and acts something like a Gallic Steve Carell. The cast also includes Daniel Auteiul as the CEO and Kristen Scott Thomas as his wife. One of my favorite French actresses, Virginie Ledoyen, portrays the young woman who is forced to look again at Francois when she sees him with Elena. Getting laughs is Dany Boon, as Francois’ co-worker, friend and former room mate, forced to live with his drunk mother so that Francois and Elena can pretend to live together. The Valet may not have belly laughs but it should bring a smile, some grins, some giggles and a few chuckles. And unlike too many overlong, unfunny would be comedies, The Valet never outlasts its welcome.
Popularity: 1% [?]


Coming to DVD on June 5th is the classic Mr. Magoo Show, the loveable character who’s bumbled his way into good fortune for over 60 years. His misadventures and stubborn self-confidence have entertained generations, and for the first time the complete television series will be available on DVD.

Ireland: we are a small nation, but a proud one. We’ve produced a lot of great art over the decades, with the possible exception of the realm of music, where Bono’s gigantic head has obscured any past achievements. Film too is a difficult medium to excel in with such little funds available, but that 

Good news. Guy Ritchie, the talented director who Madonna stole from us the past few years, is working on a new film. His latest sounds very promising too. He is set write, produce and direct the gangster laden ‘RockN’Rolla’. Filming is suppose to take place later this summer.
It was headed to the Cannels Film Festival for its world premiere showing, but “Last Looks” was stopped by French Customs and may not see the light of day, at least not at Cannes. Officials have quarantined a 35mm print of the controversial film, which director Nick Browns labels a “a disguised act of censorship”. Brown believes that the public should have the chance to view the film for themselves before it is condemned.
Kirk Douglas, the legendary silver screen icon who is now a very young 90 years old, was the special guest at his own “Kirk Douglas Theater” where he was interviewed by comic Dennis Miller. The event marked the first time he was at the theater that bears his own name. The event was to spotlight “Lets Face It: 90 years of living, loving, and learning” his latest memoir.
To paraphrase Cartman: I saw Knocked Up. Who wants to touch me?

