tayuf
Before being an action movie, this is a comedy. The cynical kind. Maybe not for everyone. And like any comedy, it HAS to be seen in original version. So, if you don't understand french, just don't watch it. Action and comedy are definitely not genres that french are good at, but this one is really good. A rare piece then. Titoff and Jean Yann are especially good in their character. Another reviewer said Titoff was "the best cop" in Marseille. Really he didn't understand anything of the movie. Titoff is on the contrary a total loser cop and really nailed it. Other actors are not doing as good a job, but still correct. Good humour, good action, good picture, smart ending.
gridoon2018
For anyone who thinks that Mike and Marcus are too arrogant, too egotistical, too uncaring about the consequences of their actions, etc., well, you haven't seen nothing yet - Gomez and Tavarès make those "Bad Boys" look like model police officers! Our "heroes" in this movie are two obnoxious, chronically dirty cops, who try to solve their case not so much because they believe in "justice", but simply to make some (illegal) money, and avoid being sent to jail by the Internal Affairs guys by giving them bigger fish to fry. Some viewers may feel that the unlikability of the leads gives "Gomez & Tavarès" an edge over similar American films, while others may feel that it makes it harder to enjoy. In either case, this "action comedy" contains relatively little action and relatively little comedy. The production is slick and the climactic helicopter vs. speedboat chase is a decent set piece, but nothing you haven't seen many times before. It's the striking, sexy, green-eyed Noémie Lenoir who provides the film's brightest moments. (**)
dromasca
There are some sparks in this action movie, with a story about corrupt cops and gangs inter-fighting set in Marseille. Certainly, it is not easy to do an action film with much of the time filled in with car chases, and other type of stunts, when you do not have the means or the experience of the American film-makers in this field. That's why the good parts of the film need to be looked for some place else - in the characters of the cops - maybe bad guys on the right side of the law, maybe corrupt (there seem to be no straight cop in this movie) but still likable and credible, maybe in the cynical approach of the script that seems to say that there are no really good fellas on any side, but that even the bad ones are not that bad if you care to hear them.The dialog between the cops and gangsters films made by American and French directors is not something new, it started in the 40s with the Bogart and E.G. Robinson films, was then taken over by the French in the 60s in films starring Alain Delon and Belmondo, and continues until nowadays, when borders are easily crossed and international casts are the norm. Here we have a touch of French humor, some bright dialogs that improve the quality of the film, and make it worth seeing after all.
netresearch
I never knew the French could make such cool movies. Laconic and violent, with obvious homages to the 1970s, "Gomez & Tavares" a.k.a. "Payoff" is full of action, blasts, and lots of fun. While the script may have some minor flaws around its edges (not grave though), this movie works just fine, with some fine acting, cool dialogue, excellent photography and brilliant editing (yes indeed!). The soundtrack (both the musical score and the sound effects track) deserves some a special mention for a job not just well done, but outstandingly done. This film looks and sounds much more expensive than it probably was. Even my girl-friend, The Brain, liked it, which I guess means that the movie is sort of smart. Never mind the signifier or the signified. This film is pure "parole". Enjoy.