Written by Julien Rappeneau
Based on the Graphic Novels by Van Hamme and Francq
Directed by Jérôme Salle
Starring Tomer Sisley, Kristin Scott Thomas, Mélanie Thierry,
Adapted from the popular Belgian comic series of the same name, it seems that Largo Winch lost something in it’s translation to the screen.
Handicapped with a humorless performance and a poor ability to deliver dialogue, Sisley does nevertheless make for an engaging presence as orphan Largo Winch, who is the sole heir of a self-made billionaire (Manojlović) who owns the powerful and mysterious W Group. Largo resurfaces after this father is murdered to both inherit the business and go after the international forces of evil that are out to kill him.
The film takes Largo across the world (protected of course by a convenient Brazillian invincibility tattoo, which is far different than a Brazillian wax), as he battles the evil corporate boardroom and various other threats with his wits and fisticuffs. The action is tepidly staged, which is unfortunate. This is the kind of premise that a director like Luc Besson would have tremendous fun with.
The story, which hinges on revelations of machinations, fumbles as it’s both suspenseless and painfully obvious. Ultimately, Largo Winch sounds infinitely better than what it is, which is infinitely boring.
The Heir Apparent: Largo Winch opens in theater and on demand the U.S. on November 18th via Music Box Films.
