Budapest - 2018
Quick Summary
Vincent and Arnaud, two friends bored with their jobs, decide to leave everything behind and set up "Crazy Trips": an agency that organizes bachelor parties in Budapest. While there, they are guided by Georgio, a French expatriate who reveals all the city's secrets...
The unusual activities offered by Crazy Trips (tank rides, wild parties, strippers, shooting ranges...) quickly attract customers. But things get out of hand and the two friends quickly lose control...
My Thoughts
This film is a little amusing at first, but quickly becomes tiresome. It's a cut above the rest, however, when compared to the other unoriginal, formatted, soulless comedies we're used to seeing in France.
The film is based on a recent true story celebrating entrepreneurial success. This is unusual for a comedy intended to entertain and appeal to a young audience.
That's what makes the comedy interesting, because the subject matter is basically interesting and well illustrated, even if one suspects that the story had to be adapted to fit what is expected in the cinema. In any case, this film salutes entrepreneurship and ambition, which is already a good point.
The acting is pretty good, with the actors not overdoing it. The secondary characters are quite good, and also well crafted. The two couples are particularly engaging and interesting.
In addition, the film's fast-paced, nervy direction means that there's never a dull moment, and you're kept immersed in the story.
Otherwise, the film is occasionally a little vulgar or grotesque. Rarely, but noticeable nonetheless. Also, there aren't many laughs for a comedy that lasts almost 2 hours, which is a pretty big flaw. The humor is a bit heavy-handed and not very good. It's disappointing from this point of view, but since the rest is okay, you'll still get caught up in the film.
To Watch or Not to Watch
When you go to see a comedy, it's usually to laugh. Budapest has an interesting story and a fast-paced production, but it probably won't make you laugh, so I wouldn't recommend it.