Is Les gros malins Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (1969)

📖 The Core Premise

Les gros malins stands as a 1969 entry that attempts to leave its mark on the Comedy landscape. At its heart, the film explores complex themes wrapped in a compelling storyline. As the plot unfolds, we see characters navigating a world where stakes are high. "Paul Blanc runs a butcher's shop with his Neapolitan wife, the vivacious Giulia. One night, thanks to sleeping pills received from his brother in Argentina, he dreams of horse racing and sees in his dream the order of arrival of the horses. Giulia praises her husband's gift at the local café. But the turfmen dissuade her from betting on the nags chosen by Paul, who they consider to be real losers! But her vision proves to be right. When her secret is discovered, everyone wants to buy this miracle medicine. But the product is no longer manufactured, as it is considered dangerous and has been banned by the authorities."

🎬 Performance & Direction

A movie's success often hinges on its execution. In Les gros malins, even the presence of Jacques Jouanneau struggles to save a script that feels disjointed. The direction aims to balance pacing with character development, a hallmark of good Comedy. While there are moments of brilliance, the pacing occasionally dips.

🤔 Why You Should Watch (or Skip)

Is Les gros malins worth your time? If you appreciate Comedy films that take risks, this is likely a decent one-time watch. However, if you are looking for a flawless masterpiece, you might find some plot points predictable.

🏆 Final Verdict

Ultimately, Les gros malins misses the mark on several fronts. With a runtime of 100 minutes, it asks for a significant time investment, but for the right audience, it pays off.

Our recommendation: Skip It.