Plot: What’s it about?
Count Thibault (Jean Reno), his family, his guard, and his servant Andre (Christian Clavier) are en route to a majestic castle, where Thibault’s bride to be awaits. He is to wed the beautiful Princess Rosalind (Christina Applegate) and together, they will rule all the lands that surround them. But when a jealous rival and an old witch poison his drink, he has horrific visions and thinks Rosalind is a demon, so he runs her through. Of course, he is heartbroken and doomed to be punished, but Andre locates a wizard, who promises to send them back in time, to prevent the tragic event. A slip in the spell however, and Thibault and Andre are whisked into the future, where they have no idea what awaits them around each corner. They soon meet Julia (also Applegate), whom they first believe to Rosalind, but later learn she is a descendant of Thibaults. Now with her help, they must only not only learn how to survive in this complex world, but also figure out some way to return to their own time, to stop Rosalind’s tragic death…
I had my doubts about Just Visiting, as it is the English remake of the 1993 French film Les Visiteurs, but I still figured it was worth a shot. In the end, the basic nature of the original is passed on, thanks to a number of returning key players, on both sides of the camera. In addition to the presence of Jean Reno and Christian Clavier in their previous roles, director Jean-Marie Poire takes the helm, all of which keeps this one in line. A number of the same jokes are back and little is different, but this one has some unique elements, so no fears there. If you’ve Les Visiteurs and enjoyed it, then I recommend Just Visiting, if just to see the characters in additional humorous situations. Reno, Clavier, and Christina Applegate are all in fine form, with Malcolm McDowell in a small, but memorable role as well. I found this to be a fun and very amusing picture, so if you’re interested, by all means, give it a whirl. This disc from Buena Vista offers little incentive to purchase, given the lack of extras and steep price, but the film itself is well worth a rental.
I hold Jean Reno to be one of my personal favorite performers, so of course, I was pleased to him reprise his role in this picture. I think American audiences know him best from his more serious roles, including more than a few turns in the films of Luc Besson, but Reno’s resume is loaded with varied material. In this case, he is called upon to perform slapstick comedy and hilarious verbal wit, but he never falters so much as an inch. Of course, he has played this role a couple of times before, but even so, Reno makes it seems fresh here, which is impressive, I think. You can also see Reno in such films as Leon: The Professional, The Crimson Rivers, Mission: Impossible, French Kiss, and Le Dernier Combat. The cast also includes Christian Clavier (This Sweet Sickness, Les Visiteurs), Christina Applegate (The Big Hit, Mafia!), Bridgette Wilson (Love Stinks, House on Haunted Hill), and Tara Reid (Josie & The Pussycats, American Pie).
Video: How does it look?
Just Visiting is presented in a 2.35:1 anamorphic widescreen transfer. Another day & date release from Buena Vista and another superb visual presentation, just as we consumers like it to be, of course. I saw some very minor flaws here and there, but on the whole, this is a bold and very impressive visual effort. The print looks clean, the colors are vivid & bright, and contrast is on target, no problems at all on those fronts. This is not a reference level visual transfer, but it looks terrific and should please fans & newcomers.
Audio: How does it sound?
The included Dolby Digital 5.1 track is very good, much more active and immersive than I had expected. The rear channels are abuzz with activity and all sorts of offbeat shit. I mean puh-lice, this is outrageous, brothers. I found no distortion present and no real cause for concern, this is one terrific audio track. The dialogue is as clean as can be and presents no problems, great work from those old birds at Buena Vista. This disc also includes English subtitles, in case you’re hard of hearing. What?
Supplements: What are the extras?
This disc includes a series of five brief behind the scenes featurette, as well as the film’s theatrical trailer.
