Kirpianuscus
one of comedies who reminds, again, the splendid art of de Funes. a art who is not defined by gags or small angry man but for the science to collaborate with the partner. Coluche does a great work as part of couple with Louis de Funes and that is the key of the charming situations and fine humor. Julien Guiomar does the perfect portrait of the enemy of mister Duchemin. and the hilarious situations are the ideal package for the illustration of conflict between tradition and new technology. a film about food and about joy of life. memorable scenes and great challenges to food industry from our days. that detail does it great. and, sure, the talent of a great actor who creates not exactly characters but universes.
Quadruplex
This is undoubtedly one of the better flicks with de Funès. But the writers sacrificed logic for cheap laughs. After a while, that gets very annoying.Examples? The scene in the filthy restaurant. "Duchemin", disguised as American tourist, is not only served the lousiest food. He also witnesses numerous yucky incidents in the kitchen. The only possible reaction for a restaurant critic would have been to leave the scene immediately and alert the board of health.But for a few, not overly funny jokes, the plot stays in the restaurant. What a riot...When Duchemin and his son intrude the Tricatel factory, we are lured to believe that there, chickens, fish and lettuce are made from rubber. That may look funny, but it totally undermines Duchemin's quest for excellent food. It would have made more sense if they had found yucky conditions, low-grade ingredients etc. But this would not have induced as many cheap laughs as plastic chicken - unless the writers would have bothered to come up with a plot that is slightly more credible AND funny.If "L'aile ou la cuisse" is on TV for free and you have nothing better to do: watch it. If your mother tongue isn't French and you want to study the language: get a DVD (provided the french version is on it).But don't expect an overly clever story...
Andrew Hobson
As timely today as it was when it was released over 30 years ago, this comedy stars French legend Louis de Funes (of "Les Gendarmes" fame) as Charles Duchemin, the owner of a restaurant guide. The film is very funny indeed, with some inspired moments. Can be enjoyed by old and young alike.The best part of the film is when De Funes gets dressed up and pretends to be a rude American tourist (or an old lady) in order not to be recognised whilst sampling the food for his famous restaurant guide.Coluche is good as De Funes' son, and Ann Zacharias, who plays the secretary, is extremely attractive.
Nicholas Rhodes
An excellent comedy which deals with the theme of traditional cuisine versus industrial cuisine. Traditional is personified by the Guide Duchemin (skit on Guide Michelin ) and industrial cuisine by Tricatel ( which I must assume is a skit on Jacques BOREL ) whose awesome director was played by Julien Guiomar. Louis de Funès plays the Michelin man who in secret and under various disguises tests out restaurants who in spite of this recognise who it is. Duchemin ( DE FUNES ) has a son (played by the late great French comedian Michel Colucci or "Coluche" who gives the impression of carrying on in the same line as his father but in reality is more interested in circus-clowning ! All actors give magnificent performances and the plot is brilliant. A most enjoyable moment to be spent, and now it's available on DVD in France at rock-bottom price !
AD
