Victoria - Men & Other Misadventures

Lawyer Victoria (Virginie Efira) seems to have her life firmly in hand. The single mother is successful at her job and also indulges in a casual sex life without any commitment. And that's the way she wants it to stay. Too bad she meets two men at a wedding who are about to turn her life upside down. She is persuaded by her good friend Vincent (Melvil Poupaud), who is accused of the attempted murder of his girlfriend after the party, to represent him in the case. And she also lets former small-time dealer Sam (Vincent Lacoste), who would like to become a lawyer himself, into her life as a go-to girl. When a lapse in judgment causes her to lose her retainer and not be allowed to practice for several months, Victoria is in danger of being thrown off track for good.

Virginie Efira (Pear Pie with Lavender) is one of the most popular faces in French film right now. No wonder really, because Efira is attractive while not being an aloof beauty, she is likeable and a really good actress. She always manages to make even mediocre roles worth seeing. A good example is the comedy Victoria - Men & other misadventures. The Belgian-born actress acts very confidently in a story that offers some really good and also funny moments, but also just as many weak and very tough scenes.

director Justine Triet simply juggles too many ideas that are good at their core, but just don't want to come together convincingly. While some of these ideas are almost overused, others seem a bit half-baked. You constantly feel that the potential is there, but somehow the timing lacks that igniting spark that makes it all work well. No question, the movie is still quite entertaining for long stretches. Some very nice moments make sure of that, for example during the turbulent trial, where even animal witnesses are summoned. Also the supporting actors have enough charisma to cover up some of the weaknesses.

Despite all this, it is not enough to give the comedy the necessary momentum it would have needed to be fully convincing. So Victoria - Men & other misadventures is quite nice, but really nothing more. And for that, in the end, there is only one: Worth seeing with some reservations

An article by Frankfurt-Tipp