JUST VISITING

Plenty of french films have been remade for American audiences, “La Cage Aux Folles,” “Three Men and a Baby” and more to name a few.  Fortunately, some of them were so good that the remakes still held some of the original spark and weren’t all bad.  “JUST VISITING” isn’t one of them! 

 After an unusual and entertaining beginning, the film takes the audience on a journey best left untravelled.  Count Thibault is about to marry a beauty named Rosiland.  Unfortunately, an evil wizard tries to spoil everything by sending Thibault and his servant back in time.  A mishap ends up sending them to the future, 2000, instead. 

 The term “bathroom humor” takes on new meaning when the two encounter one for the first time.  Unfortunately, the surprises awaiting these two are predictable and just not funny!  Soon enough, the two meet the descendant of Rosalind, again played by Christina Applegate. She’s about to marry a jerk, secretly planning with his mistress to steal the family inheritance.  This sub-plot along with one involving a gardener in love with the servant, are bothl dull and uninspired.  It’s amazing that a short film seems tired before it’s half-way through.

 BUENA VISTA has preserved the film’s 2.35:1 aspect ratio with 16:9 enhancement.  The image is generally slick looking, with great detail throughout.  The colors are solid and contrast is perfect.

 The Dolby Digital 5.1 mix is excellent!  There are plenty of surround effects and the front soundstage is heavy with separational effect sequences.  The musical score is memorable and engulfs the listener at appropriate times.

 There are some short featurettes, with behind-the-scenes moments.  A trailer for the film and others are also offered.