Atomik Circus - Le retour de James Bataille
2004 Comedy / Horror / Sci-Fi   
 
Credits
  • Director: Didier Poiraud, Thierry Poiraud
  • Script: Jean-Phillippe Dugand, Marie Garrel Weiss, Didier Poiraud, Thierry Poiraud, Vincent Tavier
  • Photo: Philippe Le Sourd
  • Music: The Little Rabbits
  • Cast: Vanessa Paradis (Concia), Jason Flemyng (James Bataille), Benoît Poelvoorde (Allan Chiasse), Jean-Pierre Marielle (Bosco), Venantino Venantini (Matt Kelso), Vincent Tavier (Chef Brody), Bouli Lanners (Chip), Jacky Lambert (Dips), Dominique Bettenfeld (Peter Cheval), Mar Sodupe (Kitty), Vincent Belorgey (Boon), Daniel Cohen (Peintre)
  • Country: France / Germany / UK
  • Language: French
  • Runtime: 92 min
  • Aka: The Return of James Battle
 
 
 
Summary
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...



Review
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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