Jet Set (2000) - film review

To save their suburban Parisian bar from closure, Jimmy and Fifi persuade their friend Mike to try and infiltrate the “jet set”, the world of the rich and famous celebrity.  If Mike can persuade a few stars to frequent the bar, Jimmy’s business will be saved.  By assuming the identity of a Tasmanian prince, Mike manages to gatecrash a charity ball and finds himself rubbing shoulders with the stars of the moment.  One self-styled celebrity, Arthus de Poulignac, discovers Mike’s real identity and decides to have some fun by playing along with the deception.  Before long, Mike is a fully paid up member of the exclusive jet set, but at what price...?

Despite a talented cast and a promising concept, Jet Set doesn’t quite live up to the potential afforded by its subject.  There are a number of fairly good jokes and Lambert Wilson’s gloriously over-the-top performance is almost worth the price of a cinema ticket.  However, some very silly characterisation and a ludicrously implausible (and not very original) plot, coupled with a somewhat shallow cinematic style, undermine the film’s better points.  This is a film that deserves to make a much greater impact than it does.  Sadly, it’s a big disappointment.

© James Travers 2004

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