Rolling to You

Co - writer/director Franck Dubosc's Rolling to You is apparently one of those movies that completely splits critics and general audiences. It has a staggeringly low score of 29% on Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer from critics, as against an audience score of 65%, which exactly matches the IMDB user score. The general critical consensus is that it is unfunny and somehow disrespectful of those with physical disabilities. I thought just the opposite. It's really quite humorous, treats those with disabilities as real people, capable of leading independent, enriched lives and is quite the engrossing rom - com to boot.

The director himself plays the male lead of Jocelyn, a successful CEO of a French sports shoe company, who, besides being a confirmed playboy bachelor is a serial liar. In his deceased mother's apartment shortly after (almost missing) her funeral, he meets her new and sexy neighbour Marie, a carer, whilst happening to sit in his mother's wheel chair. Hoping to curry sympathy with Marie, with a view to seducing her, Jocelyn impersonates a paraplegic, not realising that Marie intends to play matchmaker with him and her wheelchair bound, very attractive sister, Florence played by Alexandra Lamy. Much hilarity follows, as slowly but surely Jocelyn is drawn to the very appealing and talented Florence, but is intimidated at the thought of revealing his pretence, known only by his brother Lucien and best friend Max.

The dialogue is funny and the sets and exterior French locations are bright and inviting. Both Dubosc and Lamy excel in their roles, elevating what could read as generic rom-com story tropes into something more. It is Lamy however that steals every scene, using every opportunity to present herself with much strength, intelligence, and wit. (Note however she is not disabled in real life.)

This is the sort of jocular French comedy that in the hands of American producers might end up being some sort of unsubtle Adam Sandler/Jim Carrey remake vehicle, which might then give the critics something genuine to complain about. But as it stands Dubosc has made a very entertaining, diverting enterprise. Don't be put off seeing and appreciating it.