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Category:    Home > Reviews > Comedy > Drama > Sequel > French > Russian Dolls (2005/MPI/Weinstein/IFC DVD)

Russian Dolls (2005/Weinstein DVD)


Picture: B- Sound: B- Extras: C- Film: C



Romain Duris, Cecile De France, Kelly Reilly, Kevin Bishop and Audrey Tautou (Amelie, The DaVinci Code) reprise their roles from the mixed-but-successful L'Auberge Espagnole (2002, aka Spanish Apartment or Spanish Inn; see link below) for the sequel Russian Dolls. Xavier (Duris) wants to be a novelist, but is stuck with the prospect of writing for TV soap operas, which is good because his life is about to become like one. That does not necessarily bode well for the audience, but those who somehow loved the original will at least be amused, though how many wacky relationships can we believe before it becomes tiresome?


Of course, when Audrey shows up, people are suddenly filled with joy, the image becomes artsy and we start seeing all kinds of split screen. The film decides not to go for broke this time on her perceived cuteness and she is a bit older now. As a matter of fact, the film tries to show growth, but that never totally pans out. Writer/director Cedric Klapisch understandably wanted to revisit the success, but is five years later too soon? Is this a missed opportunity?


Maybe, because this could have far exceeded the first, but despite all the open spaces, it still feels as confined and more so. The actors give it their best, but it just feels like an unnecessary revisiting and unless you were wild about the first one, skip it.


The anamorphically enhanced 1.78 X 1 image is shot on video and either higher-fidelity video or film. Detail can be an issue, but color saves this transfer. Dominique Colin is once again the cinematographer and this is an improvement over the first feature. I liked the location shooting and fascination with moving vehicles, a move to distinguish itself from its predecessor. The lossy Dolby Digital 5.1 is also not bad, with sound and fidelity on par with the first film and is slightly clearer. Extras include previews for other Genius/Weinstein releases and a short making of piece.



You can see our coverage for the previous film on DVD here...


http://www.fulvuedrive-in.com/review/599/L'Auberge+Espagnole+(Spanish+Apartment)


...and the follow-up third film, Chinese Puzzle, here:


http://www.fulvuedrive-in.com/review/13116/Billy+Crystal:+700+Sundays+(2014/HBO+DVD)/C



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