Starbuck

There are certain plot points in Starbuck, it's true, that either don't make much sense or are simply underexplained. But the picture is so breezily warm, without being too insistently ingratiating, that those flaws don't matter much.

Starbuck is unapologetic genre filmmaking with a winning performance from its lead, Huard ( Bon Cop, Bad Cop), a shambling, likeable comedian who can flip, flop and fly off a diving board while maintaining his sex appeal.

Starbuck is one of those high-concept yet formulaic, sitcom-like comedies that gets by on charm and speed. It is manipulative and ingratiating but totally worth your time if you manage to pass one crucial test: Does French-Canadian actor Patrick Huard's smile make you happy?

Huard’s charm offsets the plots contrivances, while Ken Scott’s finely balanced direction humanises the high concept.

Five or 10 children might have led to comedy; 533 of them make for farce. All the same, Mr. Huard is endearing in the role of a perpetual adolescent who finally wants to stand up to his responsibilities, which include the one baby he has fathered the traditional way, and in his own name.

Bertrand does his jelly-belly best to keep Starbuck a comedy. But even the broadest shtick can’t prevent a movie that features a Busby Berkeley-style group hug from becoming a male weepie. Or a testimonial to Planned Parenthood.

The humor here is sitcom broad, and Scott displays little sense of rhythm; the film runs under two hours, but feels considerably longer.

I haven't seen the English-language adaptation with Vince Vaughn, but I think the Hollywood touch would cheapen this concept, which is obviously bonkers to begin with. I found this struck the balance really well, it's genuinely funny in places and then tugs on your heartstrings in others.

One of the best films of 2013 so far which is not saying a ton But this is a heartwarming film that will make you smile. The lead actor is great.

The very underrated Patrick Huard is the highlight of this 2013 comedy, he steals every scene he's in with his charm and presence. The French version is way better than the American version

Certes, l'histoire de ce très généreux donateur à la banque du sperme (533 **** au total !) qui se retrouve poursuivi par une partie d'entre eux (142 jus de couilles au taquet) est d'une originalité certaine et pourrait même faire sourire le bon public peu exigeant. Néanmoins, le traitement très consensuel d'un tel sujet, son politiquement correct (la morale est toujours sauve), sa naïveté ominiprésente relègue cette soit-disant comédie au rang du fond, le rang des cancres et des branleurs. En effet, Starbuck attire autant l'intérêt et l'attention qu'un groupe de capotes usagées dans une poubelle qui tenterait un recours en justice (à savoir s'il s'agit du recours de la poubelle ou du groupe, là est la question). Pas drôle, convenu et dérisoire, le film souffre également de sa fabrication locale, québécoise en l'occurrence : malgré les sous-titres ici et là, on peine à comprendre nos chers amis du pays des caribous et nos oreilles peu habituées à une telle déformation de la langue vivent un véritable supplice. Il faut dire qu'en plus de vriller le français dans tous les sens, ils utilisent une quantité assez incroyable d'anglicismes, lesquels sont parfois "francisés". En résumé, c'est tellement freakant de voir une job pareille qu'on devrait leur kicker le cul.