More respectful than accurate, surprisingly good

Although adapted from a Japanese manga, this is a French movie. Because City Hunter had such a tremendous success there way back when, that they made a movie. And changed the character's name. But to something American-sounding. Not French. Because. Just because. Don't ask. Still, it takes place in France, probably Paris. Because budget, obviously.

They did change the characters a little. Manga Saeba is a bit like Spiderman, he hides his pathos under a carefree appearance. It's comic/manga, it's not that deep, but still. Movie Larson is more of a moron. With a twist. They kept the overtly sexual humour, same as the manga; the opening scene is a good example. By the way, although played for comedy, there's a healthy amount of nudity is this, enough to warrant an R rating in the States, I would say. Totes swell in Europe.

Neither Lacheau nor Fontan look like their alter egos. They're both competent albeit average actors, but make a point to play their characters very straight, which does work. They're both straight men to the script's clowning.

Said clowning is on par with the manga: gags are predictable, often puerile, but still funny if you're into this, which I'll admit I am. It borrows from Jerry Lewis, ZAZ, among others. There's a definite skew in the humour, though; one could argue to a French touch, but definitely cultural drift. Eg the shrink or hostage scenes. A few (probably) very specific references went over my head, though.

I will also credit both actors for their laudable efforts in the action scenes. It's rather obvious neither come from a martial background, but some clever editing and a lot of personal effort are enough yield some pretty good fights. The final showdown is actually rather impressive.

Pet peeve: no trigger discipline. Then again, they're French, so, more of a food culture.


Nothing woke. Homosexual romance is played for fun, as the worst thing that can happen to Saeba. No girlboss. It's true to the manga.


All in all, this is very niche, probably a boring 20% for most people, but if you're into self-aware stupidity, go for it.