Ho! Die Nummer eins bin ich

You keep telling yourself that your favorite actors just don’t surprise you anymore, but there’s always something that makes that assumption go away. Ho! isn’t the best of Jean-Paul Belmondo’s movies, it was quite boring at times, but I still have to say that a lot of scenes caught my attention and confirmed that there’s nothing like the good old school of French crime thrillers and their completely sincere and natural stunts where you can’t stop staring. That's why Ho! didn’t make me fall asleep and that’s a sign of a good movie. (25.04.2013)

In Belmondo's rich filmography, this is a title that film fans often accept with undisguised unease. There are actress chameleons who alternate between various types of roles and characters, but generally, directors seek suitable actor types and when the respective actors prove themselves, they are regularly cast in the corresponding roles. A successful TV role or genre film can easily become a curse for an ambitious actor. However, such associations suit the viewers, as they know in advance what they can expect from their favorites. Belmondo has been identified as the type of witty charming adventurer cast in criminal comedies, whether on the side of the law or the underworld. Belmondo's racing driver and criminal Ho does not differ so radically from the usual expectations. Besides the fact that his role is more civilian than viewers are accustomed to, there is another significant detail that sets Belmondo apart from the usual heroes - his character is not successful. He loses not only in his long-lost sporting career, but also in love, money, and freedom. That is something that viewers cannot forgive Belmondo for, which is reflected in their ratings and comments. The film shows how little is needed to create a legend and how little it takes to bring them down to earth. Belmondo has created an interesting study of a man who believed he was capable of more than what was expected of him. Overall impression: 75%. (20.11.2013)