Review of Micmacs (2009) by Clayton W — 19 Dec 2010

Micmacs is a delightfully bizarre take on the often too-serious revenge genre. Jean-Pierre Jeunet imbues the film with the light-hearted whimsy that won over so many hearts (including mine) in Amelie, but there's also an unexpectedly poignant message underlying the goofy proceedings. The film's anti-weaponry message is important and delivered in such a way that it doesn't feel preachy; the pay-off is sweet and satisfying.

The film moves at an exciting clip, and the colorful cast of characters is always a step or two ahead of the viewer, meaning this is a film that requires your full attention. The premise is clever, and the complicated plan that Bazil (a lovable Danny Boon) and friends concoct is fun to see unfold, even if it's sometimes hard to keep who's who straight (the two company heads are almost interchangeable).

The characters give the film its unique identity. There's the cute contortionist, the minute puppeteer, the man who survived the guillotine, and the adoptive mother, amongst others. They all hunker down in a charmingly designed junkyard abode that is as magical as it is practical. The chemistry among the cast is great, especially between Boon and Julie Ferrier, who gets the to play the contortionist and does so with fire and grace. She's only one of the pleasures to be discovered in the colorful, twisted world of Micmacs.