2 Days in New York

The naturalness of Linklater’s (or even Rohmer’s?) chatty, strictly rational films has been sidelined in favour of introspection so thorough that it defies rational comprehension, thus making the film more like some of Allen’s excursions into the world of fantasy. In a roundabout way, Delpy brings a Faustian motif into the plot with a sold soul and Vincent Gallo remained himself this time (which doesn’t mean that he was less weird than usual). I see the contradictory conclusion as a logical shift in the protagonist’s development. Furthermore, it is a shift that takes into account the society-wide atmosphere of uncertainty. Marion no longer relies on support from the outside world (i.e. from her partner). She has come to understand that she has to discover redemption within herself. The film’s spiritual level is not prevalent, as it merely extends the story beyond the scope of an independent conversational comedy in an interesting, albeit not entirely elegant way. As in the earlier 2 Days in Paris, the driving force of this sequel is still the aggressive exchanges of dialogue enriched with an element of miscomprehension based on differences in language. The hyperbolised impertinence of the French visitors brings the humour to the edge of tastelessness. They have no inhibitions and remain themselves, which makes them likeable and unbearable at the same time. The same could be said of the film as such, but not of Chris Rock, who surprisingly doesn’t go overboard and whose character turns out to be the most sensible of the whole cast of weirdos. Even when he’s having an impassioned conversation with a cardboard Obama. 75% (18.05.2012)

The French Julie Delpy shot a relationship chill-out movie where dialogues have the most power. However, it also features some pretty weird people and sometimes also pretty weird artists. Oddly enough, in this movie, Chris Rock is the most normal person walking around New York at that time. It’s a nice chill-out flick. Nothing special, but the crazy French family is flawless. If nothing else, that makes it worth watching. (14.09.2013)

I haven't seen "2 Days in Paris", which is a crucial piece of information, although I don't think it's that big of a deal. In fact, I probably wouldn't have even noticed if they hadn't mentioned some guy named Jack, who the main female character (also the screenwriter and director, Julie Delpy) was dating and apparently spent "2 Days in Paris" with. Now she has a new boyfriend, Chris Rock. I have to say, I quite like this loudmouth. He's funny and not unnecessarily theatrical when it's not needed. Sometimes he's very down-to-earth, he acts, he doesn't overact, and I always appreciate that. Plus, this comedy has another plus. It makes fun of the French. Well, it also makes fun of Americans, but personally, I'm always delighted when someone pokes a little fun, even a little more, at the snobs. The humor in this comedy is mainly conversational, although the airport tour is also excellent. The ending of the film is not crucial, there is another moral message, but it's more bearable than in Adam Sandler's movies. The film is enjoyable and you'll have a pleasant feeling about it at the end, which I think is the main point. It's not something that will change your life, but it will pleasantly entertain you for an hour and a half. More: http://www.filmovy-denik.cz/2013/01/tobruk-valcik-s-basirem-2-dny-v-new.html (04.03.2013)