Joking apart, five superheroes go on a team-building retreat when the world is threatened by the so-called Emperor of Evil.
One of the most unique and original talents working in the cinema today is one Quentin Dupieux, the French writer/director of such eccentric films as Rubber, Deerskin and Incredible but True. Here, he tells the story of five avengers known as the Tobacco Force who, after exterminating a giant turtle, patiently wait for their next assignment while deep in a forest by a lake. Here, they spend their time telling terrifying stories to each other, until they receive news that Lézardin, the Emperor of Evil, is planning to extinguish Earth…
Once again Dupieux provides a bizarre premise for what is an enjoyably silly comedy, perfectly complemented by intriguing stories told in the style of Tales from the Crypt. These are particularly unpredictable and fun and one of them includes the luminous Adèle Exarchopoulos. The cast also features the brilliant Gilles Lellouche, as the leader of the Tobacco Force, who wisely plays the madness and silliness of it all quite straight. It’s certainly one of the most original films of the year.
GEORGE SAVVIDES
Cast: Gilles Lellouche, Vincent Lacoste, Anaïs Demoustier, Jean-Pascal Zadi, Oulaya Amamra, David Marsais, Adèle Exarchopoulos, Grégoire Ludig, Doria Tillier, Jérôme Niel, Blanche Gardin, Alain Chabat, Benoît Poelvoorde.
Dir Quentin Dupieux, Pro Hugo Sélignac, Screenplay Quentin Dupieux, Ph Quentin Dupieux, Pro Des Joan Le Boru, Ed Quentin Dupieux, Costumes Justine Pearce, Sound Alexis Place.
Chi-Fou-Mi Productions/Gaumont-Picturehouse Entertainment.
77 mins. France. 2022. US Rel: 31 March 2023. UK Rel: 7 July 2023. Cert. 15.
