From Paris With Love

Devotees of the enduring 007 franchise could be forgiven for thinking that this familiar sounding action flick may well be the next Bond instalment. Despite its derivative title, this stylish but lazily plotted romp bears more resemblance to that of The Tranporter or Lethal Weapon series than any exotic Ian Fleming espionage tale.

Director Pierre Morel and fellow French filmmaker Luc Besson, who serves as writer and producer, are right at home orchestrating a barrage of expertly staged, visually kinetic but highly implausible gunplay and showdowns but what does distinguish this film from similar fare is the uncharacteristic gritty use of its setting and John Travolta’s deliciously hammy performance.

Where this film does falter is in its excessive violence, bombastic soundtrack and the preposterous plot which just doesn’t stand up to close scrutiny. And while action fans won’t go away disappointed, one wishes that Travolta’s latest project amounted to something far more substantial.

THE VERDICT...

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