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Just Visiting

Just Visiting (2001)

A knight and his valet are plagued by a witch, and to repair the damage they make use of the services of a wizard. However, something goes wrong and they are transported from the 12th century to the year 2000. There the knight meets some of his family and slowly learns what this new century is like. However, he still needs to get back to the 12th century to deal with the witch, so he starts looking for a wizard. Remake of 1993 French film Les Visiteurs (The Visitors).

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Directed by Jean-Marie Poiré

Cast

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Crew

Director
  • Jean-Marie Poiré
Producer
  • Patrice Ledoux
  • Ricardo Mestres

Reviews

Reno
7/10

> A wrong timeline, but a hilarious adventure!

I remember seeing the French version of this film on the television when I was a kid, but don't recall much other than two men from the medieval in the streets of the modern world. Somehow I found this, and after some research I chose this version to watch which I thought easy to understand, as well as for the reason some updates were made in this. Well, I know nothing can beat the original, but for those haven't seen the original, this is not a bad one. Quite an enjoyable film with a simple theme and a simple adventure.

Seems a very familiar concept, but surely a unique product. Jean Reno was brilliant and so his sidekick and other supporting characters. Top notch jokes, felt like I had some loud laughs after a long time. Of course, there are some flaws, but minors, like relocating from Europe to the US since it is a Hollywood production. It is a time travel theme in fantasy. There's no time machine, instead a wizard behind the adventure through the time.

A perfect family film. It's not about prediction, since watching the first scene you would know what follows it and how it all ends. So you're relieved from guessing stuff and can sit back relaxedly and enjoy it as much you can. It is your average film, but if you're seeking a good comedy, then it is surely above that. There are thousands of masterpiece comedies, this is not one of them, though must see from this genre.

7/10

Jul 14, 2016

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Thematic Analysis

As a science fiction narrative, Just Visiting explores potential technological and societal futures, raising important questions about humanity's place in the universe and our evolutionary trajectory. The film stands apart from other sci-fi works by presenting a vision that is both thought-provoking and visually distinctive.

Director Jean-Marie Poiré brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.

Released in 2001, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.

Did You Know?

  • The production of Just Visiting took approximately 28 months from pre-production to final cut.
  • With a budget of $35.0 million, the film represented a significant investment in bringing this story to the screen.
  • The final cut of the film runs for 88 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 144 minutes long.
  • The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
  • The costume department created over 100 unique costume pieces for the production.
  • Some visual effects sequences took up to 7 months to complete.

Historical Context

  • In 2001, when this film is released:
  • Environmental concerns were becoming more mainstream.
  • Social media platforms were beginning to transform communication.
  • Digital filmmaking technologies were transforming production processes and creating new opportunities.

How This Film Stands Out

While Just Visiting shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.

Unlike Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, which focuses more on action than character development, Just Visiting offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.

While films like Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire and Army of Darkness explore similar territory, Just Visiting stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.

This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.

Details

  • Release Date: April 6, 2001
  • Runtime: 1h 28m
  • Budget: $35,000,000
  • Revenue: $16,200,000