Papa ou maman (2015)
Directed by Martin Bourboulon

Film Review

Papa ou maman epitomises the kind of "sounds good on paper" high concept comedy that is proving to be phenomenally successful in France at the moment, even if it fails to deliver more than a barrel-load of easy laughs as its authors struggle to develop the concept into something more substantial than a quick moneyspinner. Scripted by Matthieu Delaporte and Alexandre de La Patellière, the film lacks the sophistication of their earlier box office winner, Le Prénom (2012), and is too busy churning out gags for the easily pleased to bother with such fiddling matters as plot and characterisation.  The film might have had more punch if Delapore and de La Patellière had directed it themselves, but on this occasion that honour fell to first timer Martin Bourboulon, who seems to be somewhat out of his depth, or at least lacking in restraint and good taste.

It's not hard to see why Papa ou maman has proven to be such a hit with the French cinemagoing public (with an audience of 2.8 million, it is likely to be one of the most successful French films of 2015).  With so many fictional dramas depicting parents fighting it out to have custody of their children, it is a refreshing change to see one with the reverse scenario, where mummy and daddy will do absolutely anything to rid themselves of their unwanted offspring.  It's a badly needed antidote to the sentimental slush cinema audiences have had to contend with in recent years - parents behaving badly as their spoiled and manipulative little brats get what they deserve.  All is fair in love, war and divorce, so emotional blackmail and some not-so friendly persuasion bordering on the outright sadistic are called in to play as the battling divorcees go out of their way to prove themselves unfit to be a parent.  It looks as if their precious kiddiwinks will end up traumatised for life, and you can see them running off to social services begging to be taken into care.

Alas, the film doesn't stay the course and ends up taking a predictably easy way out which leaves you squirming in your seat.  If the writers had made an effort to develop real characters rather than make do with paper-thin comicbook substitutes, Papa ou maman might have got away with its lame final plot twist, but in spite of the gutsy comedy performances from leads Laurent Lafitte and Marina Fois the film just pans out as you would expect any lowbrow mainstream comedy - it's entertaining enough whilst it lasts but it all adds up to very little.  At least it reveals a lighter side to Marina Fois and hopefully it won't be so long before we see her in a somewhat more adult comedy.

Film Synopsis

Vincent and Florence Leroy are the model couple who have achieved everything they could possibly have wished for.  They have made a success of their careers and their marriages, and now they hope to proceed with the perfect divorce.  Unfortunately, this is the time when Fate decides to act against them, offering them both the career opportunity of a lifetime whilst expecting them to forgo the role of a parent.  This is unfortunate, as Vincent and Florence have three children.  For the first time, the once ideal partners now find themselves at war.  Each is ready to do whatever it takes to ensure that the other is made to take custody of the children.  Que la guerre commence!