"Les vacances du petit Nicolas" is the sequel to another French movie from 5 years ago. And not a lot has changed. The director is the same and so are the parents to Litte Nick, including the talented and funny Kad Merad. One major change, however, is the lead actor. The child actor who played Nick back then would be too old now, so they recast the part. This film is again based on the stories of René Goscinny, which you should now from his prolific work on the Asterix comics. Fittingly, director Laurent Tirard has also directed a film on the little Gaul in the past.
As a whole you could probably classify this film as one of those movies that are worth a watch if you're in for something light, but do not expect too much depth. There is some truly nice scenes like the one near the end, when the little girl looks at Nicolas as their ways are parting. Is it true love? You will find out during the closing credits. Another scene which was nice symbolism was the tractor rolling over the limousine which basically perfectly described the victory of Nicolas' father over the new admirer of his wife. There, I have a criticism also, however. I thought the whole speech of the wife where she belongs was just not suitable and added unnecessary dramatic tension to a film where it did not belong, even if it was well-acted. Other parts I was not too fond of was the whole subplot about him retiring from his job, which was just too predictable to be funny that his boss called him and wants to promote him. Also I did not like how they never touched this topic again afterward. Apart from that, i was not too fond of the whole story that dad's pal thinks his dad is broke and how he finds out etc.
What i clearly preferred were those short intermission scenes, the boy at his wedding with the different girls or Grandma burying everybody (a true comedic highlight). Another highlight were these uncountable classic movie references ("Psycho", "The Shining", "Casablanca" and probably many more I overlooked) "Les vacances du petit Nicolas" is a typical French comedy suitable for all ages. If this is your cup of tea, give it a chance. You will not be disappointed.
As a whole you could probably classify this film as one of those movies that are worth a watch if you're in for something light, but do not expect too much depth. There is some truly nice scenes like the one near the end, when the little girl looks at Nicolas as their ways are parting. Is it true love? You will find out during the closing credits. Another scene which was nice symbolism was the tractor rolling over the limousine which basically perfectly described the victory of Nicolas' father over the new admirer of his wife. There, I have a criticism also, however. I thought the whole speech of the wife where she belongs was just not suitable and added unnecessary dramatic tension to a film where it did not belong, even if it was well-acted. Other parts I was not too fond of was the whole subplot about him retiring from his job, which was just too predictable to be funny that his boss called him and wants to promote him. Also I did not like how they never touched this topic again afterward. Apart from that, i was not too fond of the whole story that dad's pal thinks his dad is broke and how he finds out etc.
What i clearly preferred were those short intermission scenes, the boy at his wedding with the different girls or Grandma burying everybody (a true comedic highlight). Another highlight were these uncountable classic movie references ("Psycho", "The Shining", "Casablanca" and probably many more I overlooked) "Les vacances du petit Nicolas" is a typical French comedy suitable for all ages. If this is your cup of tea, give it a chance. You will not be disappointed.