"Eine Insel namens Udo" is a German film from 2011, so it has its 5th anniversary this year. It is probably the most known work by writer and director Markus Sehr. The title character is played by Kurt Krömer and he is mostly known for being a host and comedian here in Germany, but many people working in this profession have also tried acting, so it's really nothing new. His co-lead (love interest) is Fritzi Haberlandt, who is a successful actress though. In smaller parts you will find names like Nadolny and Stier who may have come across unknowingly in other productions before. The film is pretty short and only runs for 80 minutes, which is fine for me as I was not really impressed by any of the aspects here.
Lets mention the general plot first of all. It is initially not a bad idea to focus on a man who is simply not seen by anybody unless he runs into them for example and the reference to being a store detective is fine too. But what they made out of this in detail is not really that convincing. For example the scene with the waiter who thinks Haberlandt's character is alone in the restaurant was pretty embarrassing and there they went mostly for cheap humor instead of telling a good story. I personally don't really like Krömer's approach to comedy, but he was probably better than I expected. Haberlandt I never understood the hype about her acting I have to admit and I also don't think she really elevates the material here. The supporting characters were the ones that made this film work at times and I am especially referring to Bernd Moss here, who was a scene-stealer from start to finish.
Other than these, the film occasionally succeeds with his comedy, but sometimes also seems desperate and try-hard. Lets be honest here: As entertaining as the nudity scene may have been, it did not make any sense that they could see him all of a sudden, only because he had sex. And as much as the movie tries to be different, as much it fails on several occasions, especially the ending. The dramatic relevance was entirely forgettable, especially at the ending. The way they included this conflict between the two and then quickly solved it with the bizarre airport sequence was not a creative achievement at all. Most of the stuff before wasn't any better. And that's why I give this movie a thumbs-down. Not recommended.
Lets mention the general plot first of all. It is initially not a bad idea to focus on a man who is simply not seen by anybody unless he runs into them for example and the reference to being a store detective is fine too. But what they made out of this in detail is not really that convincing. For example the scene with the waiter who thinks Haberlandt's character is alone in the restaurant was pretty embarrassing and there they went mostly for cheap humor instead of telling a good story. I personally don't really like Krömer's approach to comedy, but he was probably better than I expected. Haberlandt I never understood the hype about her acting I have to admit and I also don't think she really elevates the material here. The supporting characters were the ones that made this film work at times and I am especially referring to Bernd Moss here, who was a scene-stealer from start to finish.
Other than these, the film occasionally succeeds with his comedy, but sometimes also seems desperate and try-hard. Lets be honest here: As entertaining as the nudity scene may have been, it did not make any sense that they could see him all of a sudden, only because he had sex. And as much as the movie tries to be different, as much it fails on several occasions, especially the ending. The dramatic relevance was entirely forgettable, especially at the ending. The way they included this conflict between the two and then quickly solved it with the bizarre airport sequence was not a creative achievement at all. Most of the stuff before wasn't any better. And that's why I give this movie a thumbs-down. Not recommended.
