Der Außenseiter

Pure eineinhalb Stunden lang Schlagen von Dealers, Schwulen und Zuhälter, Vezauberungen Frauen mit leichter Moral und auch ein intensiver belmondoänhnlicher "Mann“. Ein unheimlicher Unsinn, dessen gesamte Handlung vollends der Tatsache gewidmet ist, dass JP sich im richtigen Moment aufs Reck schwingen oder jemandem eine knallen kann. Die Widerstandfähigkeit und Stärke eines Bud Spencer ... und natürlich eine in angemessenem Maße rindsviehhole Sache. (13.04.2010)

Jean-Paul Belmondo knows how to play his adventurers, whether on the side of the law or against it. He has charisma and can give his characters an undeniable charm. The problem lies in the fact that the film itself takes a stance that doesn't sit well with me and I consider it highly problematic. It takes itself too seriously when it clearly sets up an unrealistic framework, and its hero seems to have come out of a bad action movie. Belmondo's Commissioner Jordan shows off too much and is such a cool guy that he simply doesn't fit into the serious crime story. Moreover, the means he chooses during the investigation are ethically unacceptable. Harry Callahan, played by Clint Eastwood, was called a fascist by critics for his investigative methods at the time, and Jordan might even surpass him in some aspects. He massacres two gangsters in front of the astonished crowd on a busy French boulevard out of revenge and confidently walks away. Not only would this not fly in the real world, but it damn well relativizes law and justice. In the end, it's a very average crime story full of clichés from bad movies and a superhero-like hero who would receive only a very lukewarm reception if played by someone else. Overall impression: 45%. (20.04.2010)

A bit of a weak premise, but Belmondo, Morricone and an absolutely great car chase made it all above average. Belmondo in particular has a role worthy of Chuck Norris, and although his invulnerability, decisiveness and instant sympathy for any lightly dressed prostitute feel ridiculous, I had a great time again and I'm happy to forgive the film's slightly messy script. It's another entertaining and very overblown Belmondo movie. 75% (28.11.2012)