Special Agent OSS 117, perhaps France's most famous answer to Britain's James Bond, enters the 21st century with "Cairo, Nest of Spies", but unfortunately the producers don't seem sure of how to package his return: as a legitimate period spy flick, or as a spoof of the genre? As a result, although the film has the colorful credits, the exotic locations, the beautiful women, the intrigue of the Bond universe (and even a leading man who looks a bit like the 1960's Sean Connery), it's neither funny enough nor exciting enough. The indecisiveness extends to the way Jean Dujardin plays the role of OSS 117: at times competent, suave and on top of the situation, at other times bumbling and making a fool of himself. Even the fight scenes range from serious (and surprisingly good) to slapstick (two guys throwing chicken at each other). The highlight - and practically the climax - of the film is the catfight between Bérénice Bejo and Aure Autika: I like it when women use real fighting moves instead of just rolling around. (**)
Review of OSS 117: Cairo, Nest of Spies
