New Biz in the Hood

What came first in my mind when I heard about this movie and its plot was that it would have similarities with "Serial (Bad) Weddings" 1 & 2. It has. Although the plots are different both deal with the problems and misunderstandings stemming from the insurmountable differences of class, status, religion, ethnic origin etc which exist among the various segments of the population in modern French society. They deal with them with a humorous manner which sometimes approaches genuine emotional involvement and try to promote the message that with a little goodwill and mutual effort we shall realize that we are one big human family despite the petty differences of race, creed and class that strive to keep us separated in a state of mistrust and enmity. I am not a professional sociologist and and political analyst to be able to assess the realistic possibilities of such a social vision in modern France or the world in general. Obviously there is an agenda in those comedies which try to promote the ideal of the "Open Society". Whether it will be materialized only the future can tell.

The movie as such has able actors and many humorous moments although it does not always avoid the stereotypes it purports to fight. Some of the cast are physically very attractive and many embody characters with whom the viewer can develop empathetic feelings. Nevertheless the criminals are very stereotyped despite the effort to portray some of them in a somewhat positive manner. My point is that some elements of race and character portrayal undermine instead of promoting the humanistic and universalist message of the film. There are characters belonging to ethnic minorities and colored people which are positive role models but still the villains are Arab and not Français de souche.

Still I recommend this particular movie because it is funny, at times poignant, the acting is competent, love seems to triumph over racial differences and all people can strive for the common good despite being different. All these things can happen- at least on the big screen.