Hubert is a complete imbecile … or at least until those occasions when the script requires him to do something smart to extricate himself from a sticky situation.

| Original Score: 2/4 | Jan 1, 2024

This film achieves a unique balance. Those looking to quench their base desires will be satisfied, while those of us needing some aesthetic merit can revel in the homage to vintage spy thrillers.

| Original Score: 3.5/4 | Sep 6, 2023

I loved the mix of subtle humor and over the top absurdity.

| Original Score: 4/5 | Aug 24, 2022

Saucily subversive, screenwriter Jean Francois Halin's crackling script questions the supposed hetero-manliness of the classic spy hero, but even more smartly pokes fun at French conceit and colonialism.

| Jan 28, 2020

This is skillfully executed comedic filmmaking that uses slapstick to its advantage along with witty repartee to make one zingy cocktail of a movie.

| Original Score: 3/4 | Jul 6, 2019

The first of two OSS 117 spy spoofs from the director (Hazanavicius) and star (Dujardin) of "The Artist" is sublimely silly stuff.

| Original Score: 3/4 | Jan 10, 2016

| Original Score: 4/5 | Nov 18, 2011

| Original Score: 4/5 | Nov 17, 2011

A lowbrow spy spoof that can only go so far with such a silly plot.

| Original Score: C+ | May 18, 2009

This French comedy fondly lampoons both the popular French spy movies adapted from Jean Bruce's novels in the 1950s and '60s and the colonialist era they were set in.

| Dec 17, 2008

Infinitely superior to Get Smart.

| Original Score: 3/5 | Nov 7, 2008

This light-hearted pastiche is a recommended antidote to 'Quantum of Solace'.

| Original Score: 4/6 | Nov 7, 2008

Notwithstanding a willing central performance from Dujardin, the film simply lacks the comedic savoir-faire to leave us shaken, stirred or even reasonably amused.

| Original Score: 2/5 | Nov 7, 2008

Impeccable standards, far above anything you'd expect from the parody genre.

| Nov 7, 2008

In a week of overblown, unappetising or disappointing films, this makes a refreshing change. And how interesting to be offered a French movie that doesn't come straight from the "arthouse" stable.

| Original Score: 3/5 | Nov 7, 2008

The amusingly cumbersomely titled OSS 117: Cairo, Nest of Spies is about ten minutes too long for a great plot to gag ratio, but there are enough smart chuckles here to make the promised sequel worth looking forward to.

| Original Score: 3/5 | Nov 7, 2008

Despite a number of hilarious set-pieces, the stupidity never spoils the intrigue and by playing the pastiche game better than Austin Powers, this is an unexpected pleasure.

| Original Score: 4/5 | Nov 7, 2008

A natty satire on imperialism and très visually stylish to boot, it constantly keeps you tickled with crazy one-liners and silly visual gags.

Full Review | Original Score: 4/5 | Nov 7, 2008

Beautifully made, superbly written and frequently hilarious comedy that plays like a French version of Get Smart (the original series), with a terrific comic performance from Jean Dujardin.

| Original Score: 5/5 | Nov 7, 2008

I have never been a particular admirer of either James Bond or Austin Powers, and could hardly be expected to be overjoyed by a 'cross between them.' Hence, I was hardly surprised when I didn't crack a smile over the antics of Mr. Jean Dujardin.

Full Review | Oct 23, 2008