Ein MordsTeam - Blu-Ray

Movie: The expectations were enormous: after Omar Sy was able to inspire well over eight million German moviegoers in Ziemlich beste Freunde, his next performances will always have to be measured against the wonderful role of the lovable Driss. And this comparison can't really be won then. But even if Sy's current film, the crime comedy Ein MordsTeam, can't do very well in a direct comparison, the film at least manages to profit from the unexpected popularity of the leading actor. And so it becomes clear quite quickly: Omar Sy is by far the best thing about this slightly too over-the-top comedy.

Because, after all, he's playing a very similar role again here. His suburban cop Ousmane, with his casual outfit, big mouth and not always conventional methods, is not exactly what you'd call a model cop. But Ousmane refuses to be bent, especially by a snobby Parisian cop like Francois (Laurent Lafitte), with whom he has to work after the body of the wife of one of France's most important industrialists is found in his neighborhood. Ousmane, who has been on the trail of a mysterious Parisian underworld ring for months, is convinced the murder is directly related to his investigation. Desk jockey Francois doesn't want to believe in such a connection at first. He only wants to further his career, and the connection of the respected murder victim to the underworld does not fit into his plan at all. The unequal duo clash again and again and it soon seems as if the investigation would drown in total chaos. But then the case takes a surprising turn...

For A Murder Team, former commercials director David Charhon clearly drew inspiration from '80s buddy cop movies like Two Steely Professionals or Only 48 Hours. And there's also a good dose of Beverly Hills Cop wafting through the Parisian suburb of Bobigny, where Ousmane is on duty in the best Axel Foley manner. The whole thing was wrapped in contemporary visuals with a little action and slightly overdone French humor enriched. In the moments when this mixture works, A Murder Team is very entertaining, funny and entertaining. But the good scenes are balanced with those in which the gags just don't want to ignite and just seem a bit too forced.

In these moments it is not so much the fact that the film lacks any form of originality that stands in the way of an entertaining pleasure. After all, well-copied can certainly work and be seen as a successful genre homage. However, there's something else the film lacks that feels much more negative: there's just hardly any chemistry between the two main characters. Sure, in the beginning that's supposed to be the case. But even in the moments when the unequal cops get closer, the spark between Omar Sy and Laurent Lafitte just doesn't come across. As a result, the film ultimately lacks the very charm that made its great idols so successful.

No question, A Murder Team offers friends of French crime comedies and loose buddy comedies enough good moments in its 90-minute running time that quickly make many of the less successful gags forgettable. But if you're hoping for a similar charm offensive due to Omar Sy or for lasting good mood cinema like in Pretty Best Friends, you'll rather experience a disappointment. Therefore, it is: nice dozen goods without long-term effect - no more, but also no less. And for this there is then also a deserved: worth seeing!

Picture + Sound: On the Blu-Ray, the crime comedy presents itself in good to very good picture and sound quality. The visual realization convinces with a high detail sharpness, very powerful colors, well-tuned black levels and coherent contrasts. The sound is available in an atmospheric DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 mix, which can score especially in more action-packed moments by rich sound effects. But even in more dialogue-heavy scenes, there's really no real reason to complain. Good!

Extras: As a bonus, interested viewers get a worthwhile Making of (about 26 min.) donated, which reveals a fairly comprehensive insight into the making of the film by means of interviews and footage from the shooting. In addition, there is a teaser (0:55 min.) of a different kind, the trailer and other program tips from the provider. Good!

Conclusion: A Murder Team is clearly inspired by the buddy cop comedies of the 80s and also offers in many moments enough successful gags to be able to entertain properly. But the not really igniting chemistry between the two main actors and some rather inconsequential moments tarnish the positive overall impression a little in the end. Who appreciates French crime comedies and loose buddy comedies or loves Omar Sy, can access here despite some weaknesses confidently

An article by Frankfurt-Tipp