Atomik Circus – Le retour de James Bataille (2004)

Atomik Circus – Le retour de James Bataille is a French-German-British comedy horror film first released in 2004, directed by Didier Poiraud and Thierry Poiraud.  The film stars Vanessa Paradis, Jason Flemyng, Benoît Poelvoorde, Jean-Pierre Marielle and Venantino Venantini.  It has also been released under the title: The Return of James Battle.  Our overall rating for this film is: very poor.


When stuntman James Bataille accidentally wrecks a bar during a music festival in the backwater town of Skotlett, the bar’s owner Bosco has him put away for 133 years, thereby keeping him away from his daughter Concia.  Not long after, Bosco is alarmed when he learns that James has escaped from prison and is on his way back to Skotlett, hoping to hook up with Concia.  James hasn’t only Bosco to contend with, however.  Skotlett is the about to host another unexpected visit – from a ruthless party of shape-changing extra-terrestrials...

It’s difficult to find anything positive to say about this juvenile sci-fi romp.  It’s certainly bold and distinctive – a frenzy of self-conscious stylistic excess that is totally lacking in structure, logic and charm.  The incoherent comic book storyline, non-existent characterisation and truly hideous cinematography make it virtually unwatchable without the mild palliative of several ounces of mind-altering drugs. 

© James Travers 2008

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