Review of Laissez tirer les tireurs

Let me start by saying that this isn't the best of movies. It's supposed to be a thrilling mix of action, adventure and comedy but much of it falls flat, due to sheer ineptitude. The intrigue doesn't make much sense, the gags don't work and the acting isn't anything to write home about. By way of exhibit A I introduce protagonist Eddie Constantine, who had a likeable, lived-in mug and an infectuous grin, but wasn't much of an actor. There was many a "Guess your weight" automat better suited to a nuanced or witty delivery of lines...

Still, I liked the musical score, especially the little whistling tune. Whether the music will succeed in keeping you, dear reader, awake during the whole of the movie is another matter...

This does not mean that our black-and-white caper is entirely devoid of amusement value. Lovers of unintended humor can find a little gem here and there, mainly of the "Who in his right mind thought this was good enough ?" variety. Moreover, people interested in pop culture and movie history will be sure to appreciate the many similarities to the later (and considerably more competent) James Bond franchise. Note the Oriental villains, the groan-inducing wisecracks, the final joke-plus-embrace, the many lovelies prancing around in nylon stockings and revealing underwear...