peefyn I enjoyed this movie, and there's much to like in it. It's visually thrilling, and has some really creative props and sets. The characters are all charming, like a weird combination of street performers and a team of comic book heroes. It's like an extended version of the scene in Amelié where she terrorizes the fruit merchant, only here it happens to two characters (who blame each other for it). The traps and "heists" are all enjoyable as creative and cartoonish schemes, and I can imagine Jeunet had as much fun coming up with them hat I had watching them.The only thing that is really lacking in this movie is the level of ambition. Jeunet has not set out to create a marvelous story, instead using his charms and creativity to create an fun little story that can be enjoyed by young and old. If there's a comment on weapons manufacturers, it's about as strong as a Disney comic. None of the characters has much of an arch through the movie, all of them ending up pretty much as they started (only in different circumstances). There's a love story, but it's only function is for some gags throughout. I'm not saying all of these are bad things - but just not what Jeunet seems to want from this movie.

strat_axe Micmacs is not a bad movie overall and one with an interesting and whimsical storyline. One thing however that I did not like about the movie was the obvious plot holes that it contained. There were certain places where the storyline simply jumped ahead with no explanation, leaving the reader to catch up on their own. The most notable example of this is near the beginning where we see Bazil as a little kid when his family receives news of his father's death. We then see him sent to a boarding school of some sort and the story suddenly changes to a man sitting in a video store watching a movie. It is only because of certain clues seen later that we suddenly realize that this is Bazil. Some films do this purposefully for effect, however this one only serves to confuse the audience rather than impress them.The director, Jean-Pierre Jeunet, was born in Roanne, Loire, France on September 3, 1953. Jeunet has directed a number of films, one of which, "Amelie", was nominated for several Academy Awards. He also received a European Film Award for Best Director due to this film.A major idea that is expressed in the film is that of a person finding a second life or a new reason for living. We see Bazil's life rejuvenated by his newfound group of friends and his newfound purpose of getting revenge on the arms manufacturers. This idea really hits home when we see that all of his friends are happily willing to assist him in his mission. When they tell him that anything he has to do, they will do together, we see that he has gained a new life that far surpasses the solitary and dreary one he led before. This idea is significant because it shows that people should always have a reason for living. If one life purpose fades away, another one will eventually arise to take its place.Another main idea is the story of an underdog triumphing over a superior force. The dominant storyline of Bazil's quest for revenge on the arms dealers reflects this idea at every turn as he and his team lure the companies closer and closer to destruction. They gain more of an advantage with each step of the plan until it all culminates in the end with the coerced confessions of the president of each company. Once these confessions are broadcast on YouTube, Bazil and his friends have obviously won. This idea is popular with audiences because people like it when they see those who are repressed overthrow their oppressors against all odds. It is appealing because not only does the good guy win, but that victory is all the more sweet because it is theoretically impossible. The movie uses special effects as any good action film should, which serve well to keep the audience's attention. It makes use of pyrotechnics such as the explosions which are set off with the sabotage of one of the arms manufacturing facilities. The music used at different points in the movie also stands out. It has a circus-like feel to it which adds to the comical air of the film, such as the music heard when Petit Pierre is playing with his inventions.Overall, the movie is okay at best, but far from the worst I have ever seen. Many may find it to be too trite and predictable however it does have its moments. I would readily suggest it to someone looking for a decent French action-comedy.

SnakesOnAnAfricanPlain Jeunet is back with his magically enchanting trademark style. He's got the visuals down, with the help of cinematographer Tetsuo Nagata, who turns every yellow into a sunset gold. The film may have strong themes about weapons manufacture and the arms trade, but it's done in the style of a children's story. A children's story heist film. We can see Jeunet's silent movie influenced slapstick run riot, as Boon's toes steal his cardboard shelter away from him. It's a joyous film to experience, with cartoon like interludes of grin evoking madness. It might be too uneven for some, or too whimsical for others, but if you are looking for style AND substance, you can't go wrong.

musicfreeek I can really recommend this movie to all people who like fantastic story lines and ideas like you might know them from Terry Gillams movies. Micmacs has tons of very unusual ideas, surprising actions and quirky fantasies. It also features many strong, funny characters with different habits and styles. And it is a comedy about a very sad topic, which I think is the greatest art about this movie. Moreover it has some nice ideas about presentation, cutting and effects and it comes with a nice, slight score. If you like Terry Gilliams movies, you might also like this movie here. And by the way: It is in the typical style of this director.