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Suburban Crocodiles

Deutschland 2009 - mit Nick Romeo Reimann, Nora Tschirner, Fabian Halbig, Smudo ...

Filminfo

Produktionsland:Deutschland 2009
Webseite:www.vorstadtkrokodile.film.de
Since Max von der Grün's youth novel "Vorstadtkrokodile" was published in 1977, the book has been an absolute must-read for all teenage readers. The successful film adaptation by WDR contributed significantly to the "Vorstadtkrokodile" becoming an absolute cult, especially for the generation of that time. Now director Christian Ditter ("Französisch für Anfänger") has adapted the novel for the big screen, creating the perfect basis for a whole new generation to get to know and love the exciting and entertaining story. Hannes (Nick Romeo Reimann) longs for nothing more than to become a member of the "Vorstadtkrokodile". But the test of courage that would secure him entry into the "coolest youth gang in the world" puts the boy's life in acute danger. Fortunately, he is watched by Kai (Fabian Halbig), who is able to call the rescuing fire brigade at the last second. Kai, who has been confined to a wheelchair since an accident, hopes that his rescue will also enable him to become a "suburban crocodile" and thus something like a normal boy. But with the exception of Hannes, his wish does not meet with much approval from the gang. Only when he can provide important clues to solve a series of burglaries that also hit Hanne's single mother (Nora Tschirner), he becomes interesting for the crocodiles. With Kai's help, the kids hope to put a stop to the gang of burglars. That only proves to be a big problem when it turns out that one of the crocodiles is closer to the burglars than he would like. Two things stand out in a particularly positive way about this remake of the novel. First, Christian Ditter, as he did with "Französisch für Anfänger", proves his flair for sympathetic characters who somehow seem real and tangible. He integrates these into a setting that pleasantly doesn't pander to the young target audience, but rather exudes a timeless feel. What could have easily degenerated into a stale tasting spin-off of the "Wilde Kerle" has instead become a really good youth film that adults and, as with the TV adaptation, later generations can also enjoy. And that brings us to the second positive aspect: Ditter clearly shows his respect for the first film version, for example by having Martin Semmelrogge, the villain from the 77 film, make a guest appearance, or by underscoring a scene with the title music from the TV version. This makes it extremely easy for older viewers who grew up with the TV movie to warm up to the new version of the story. In choosing the actors, Ditter and his team have also shown a good hand. Nick Romeo Reimann, whom I still scolded for his performance in the "Wilde Kerle" films, delivers a really convincing and, above all, not very put-upon performance here. Fabian Halbig, actually the drummer of the "Killerpilze", is convincing in his cinema debut, as are the other young actors. They do not have to hide behind the adult professionals, such as the as always charming Nora Tschirner or "Fanta4"-member Smudo. Naturally, there are also some minor point deductions. So the one or other gag turns out very flat and the big chase, in which Kai races with his wheelchair thanks to a rocket engine through the pedestrian zone, is a bit too exaggerated to fit into the overall picture. But since especially young viewers will have a lot of fun with this scene, such small weak points can be overlooked benevolently. The bottom line is that Christian Ditter's "Vorstadtkrokodile" is an entertaining film about friendship, courage and overcoming prejudice, which doesn't tackle these topics with the pedagogical forefinger quite as clearly as the novel or the TV version. A fine film for children and young people aged 8 and over, but one that accompanying adults can thoroughly enjoy too. Worth seeing! Directed by Christian Ditter Length: approx. 98 min. FSK: age 6+

Ein Artikel von Frankfurt-Tipp