13 reviews
The 2nd installment is nice and exciting
- Cristi_Ciopron
- Jul 20, 2009
- Permalink
FANTOMAS STRIKES BACK (Andre' Hunebelle, 1965) **1/2
This one is actually superior to the first installment in the series (see above): the plot revolves around a couple of scientists who have each been working on a brain-washing device(!) and who had been hoping to unite their forces in order to perfect it - which places it, more or less, into the realm of science fiction; needless to say, Fantomas sees this as a good way to bring about world-domination (with him as its ruler) and promptly kidnaps them!
The heroic reporter couple and the comic police duo are back on the criminal's trail; however, this time around it's not only Fantomas who takes up various disguises to carry out his nefarious schemes (though the mask worn by the actor is too obvious and won't fool any audience member!) but also the other Jean Marais and De Funes/Juve!; another novelty is the more personal nature of the relationship between the Mylene Demongeot character and Marais/Fantomas: at one point, she's herself kidnapped and one almost expects their relationship to be developed into something approximating to a parallel romance, but it's never taken that far and we're soon back to more familiar (and less challenging) ground!
The finale takes place in Fantomas' volcanic hide-out; interestingly, footage from Haroun Tazieff's LES RENDEZ-VOUS DU DIABLE (1958) - a documentary about volcanic eruptions - was interspersed into the actual film for authenticity's sake...before it reverts to fancy, with the master criminal's racing-car converted instantaneously into a jet and taking flight!!
The heroic reporter couple and the comic police duo are back on the criminal's trail; however, this time around it's not only Fantomas who takes up various disguises to carry out his nefarious schemes (though the mask worn by the actor is too obvious and won't fool any audience member!) but also the other Jean Marais and De Funes/Juve!; another novelty is the more personal nature of the relationship between the Mylene Demongeot character and Marais/Fantomas: at one point, she's herself kidnapped and one almost expects their relationship to be developed into something approximating to a parallel romance, but it's never taken that far and we're soon back to more familiar (and less challenging) ground!
The finale takes place in Fantomas' volcanic hide-out; interestingly, footage from Haroun Tazieff's LES RENDEZ-VOUS DU DIABLE (1958) - a documentary about volcanic eruptions - was interspersed into the actual film for authenticity's sake...before it reverts to fancy, with the master criminal's racing-car converted instantaneously into a jet and taking flight!!
- Bunuel1976
- Aug 17, 2006
- Permalink
So the Spectre was indeed Fantômas (tv)
This episode is a bit average: there a lot of funny things but at the end, the movie fails to be a classic: this time you can see that the inspiration is clearly the Bond cousin across the channel, with an European plan, a high tech and hidden lair, a lot of gadgets but maybe it's the explanation, the movie drags terribly like the 007 movies: especially the final part that is wild action chase for about 15 minutes... Anyaway, the 3-hands outfit is funny, the Roma location is exotic and the 3 professors (all played by late Marais) is impossible to tell as it's really tricky...
- leplatypus
- Jul 13, 2017
- Permalink
The French strike back at James Bond
'Fantomas Strikes Back' is a great period piece. While not as believable and scary as the original series opener a year earlier, the wonderful Rome locations more than compensate. The Fantomas films were shot in post-WWII Europe's heydays, when it looked like the future will be just as rosy.
This film came out the same year as the Bond flick 'Thunderball,' and can be considered French cinema's answer to the Anglophile 007 craze sweeping Europe and the world back then. The kidnapped scientist plot shows up in many Bond films, of course. But the best gimmick in any Fantomas film is Fantomas' ability to assume other people's identity at will by using high quality rubber face masks. And his own, featureless eerie green rubber mask is rather scary still.
BTW, does anyone know if the 'Fantomas' films are available on DVD?
This film came out the same year as the Bond flick 'Thunderball,' and can be considered French cinema's answer to the Anglophile 007 craze sweeping Europe and the world back then. The kidnapped scientist plot shows up in many Bond films, of course. But the best gimmick in any Fantomas film is Fantomas' ability to assume other people's identity at will by using high quality rubber face masks. And his own, featureless eerie green rubber mask is rather scary still.
BTW, does anyone know if the 'Fantomas' films are available on DVD?
- FrankoFerko
- Aug 6, 2005
- Permalink
Same quality as the first Fantômas, good enough for that time.
Fantômas Se Déchaine (or Fantômas Unleashed for the English title) is of the same quality as the first movie from one year earlier. For 1965 you can't expect big special effects, but for that year it was certainly good enough. It reminds me of the time I watched Louis de Funès movies with my grandparents what was always a pleasant and funny time of cinema. Louis de Funès will always stay the best French comedian, and that's mostly due to his hyperactive temper and his great mimicking. The Fantômas trilogy is maybe not his funniest movies but they were entertaining, certainly for that time. Watching this so many years later I still enjoy it, even though it's obvious that we're used to watch better things nowadays.
- deloudelouvain
- Feb 10, 2021
- Permalink
He's back
Actually they are back. It is not just Fantomas but also Luis De Funes. Who at the beginning of this prematurely celebrates that they haven't heard from Fantomas in a while. Which must mean he is defeated ... doesn't it? Actually more like Mission Impossible, no? And no pun intended of course.
Fantomas is the one who is able to be everyone. With a neat trick when editing, that may not work as smooth as it did back then, he changes form and shape at times ... but hey: suspension of disbelief and all that. He may strike back, but the original remains the better movie. Even if the sequels did a good job too - sorry for the pun and something that cannot be said about the police work here ...
Fantomas is the one who is able to be everyone. With a neat trick when editing, that may not work as smooth as it did back then, he changes form and shape at times ... but hey: suspension of disbelief and all that. He may strike back, but the original remains the better movie. Even if the sequels did a good job too - sorry for the pun and something that cannot be said about the police work here ...
More addition of zany fun escapades
This is more so and now its more of the zaniness, just comparison with the first movie a sight all over the place stuff goin on (the scientist stuff yawn) compared with the first movie's focus but more fun from the main principal characters.
- Apollo15AnnoPianoCatDogSnailAnt
- Jan 20, 2020
- Permalink
The French James Bond, is not only a great spy, but incredibly funny too
This film came out the same year as the Bond flick 'Thunder-ball,' and can be considered French cinema's answer to the Anglophile 007 craze sweeping Europe and the world back then. The kidnapped scientist plot shows up in many Bond films, of course. But the best gimmick in any Fantomas film is Fantomas' ability to assume other people's identity at will by using high quality rubber face masks. And his own, featureless eerie green rubber mask is rather scary still.
This is a wonderful movie. Very funny, intelligent, and a sophisticated humor. The scene of Inspector Juve with the three arms is just hilarious. Both the series of "The Pink Panther" (Peter Sellers) or Austin Powers probably were inspired by this wonderful movie and the other Fantomas movies in the 3-movie series. It is a must see.
This is a wonderful movie. Very funny, intelligent, and a sophisticated humor. The scene of Inspector Juve with the three arms is just hilarious. Both the series of "The Pink Panther" (Peter Sellers) or Austin Powers probably were inspired by this wonderful movie and the other Fantomas movies in the 3-movie series. It is a must see.
- sam_smithreview
- May 1, 2016
- Permalink
James Bondesque comedy
This episode is definitely the more entertaining of the series starring de Funès and Jean Marais. After the rather flat Fantômas (1964) and before a weird #3 where the evil genius becomes a base racketeer who occasionally kills a Lord in a Scottish manor, Fantômas se déchaîne is well packed with action and fun.
OK the directing is pretty lame and you'd better discovering this movie as a child since an over-the-top De Funès with all the James Bond toolkit spoofing can't make up for all the lack of rhythm. On the whole De Funès and Jean Marais are perfect to make the whole thing work throughout that good model of what was and is lacklustre yet popular French cinema.
OK the directing is pretty lame and you'd better discovering this movie as a child since an over-the-top De Funès with all the James Bond toolkit spoofing can't make up for all the lack of rhythm. On the whole De Funès and Jean Marais are perfect to make the whole thing work throughout that good model of what was and is lacklustre yet popular French cinema.
An incredible movie
This is a wonderful movie. Very funny, intelligent, and a sophisticated humour. The scene of Inspector Juve with the three arms is just hilarious. Both the series of "The Pink Panther" (Peter Sellers) or Austin Powers probably were inspired by this wonderful movie and the other Fantomas movies in the 3-movie series. It is a must see.
Boring, until the last 10 minutes
- gridoon2024
- Feb 3, 2012
- Permalink
the same Fantomas
the tension from the first part becomes support for great humor. Fantomas becomes fascinating and entire story, with influences from the post WW II cinema theme of the kidnapped scientist , with the same commissaire Juve and seductive Helene, with Rome who remains the same great location, with the too realistic rubber masks. a film ideal for a genre of public looking the state of his youth. or for the young public, looking understand the universe of the grandparents. because Fantomas Unleashed remains, first, a great show. and this is the supreme virtue. for the great atmosphere. for the seductive scenes. for the predictable events. for the fine humor. so, a lovely film.
- Kirpianuscus
- Sep 30, 2016
- Permalink
Fantomas Unleashed: A Hilarious and Thrilling Sequel, Deserves a Perfect 10/10
Fantomas Unleashed, the second installment in the Fantomas trilogy, continues the excellence of its predecessor, rightly earning a perfect 10/10. This film combines humor, adventure, and suspense in a way that only Louis de Funès and the Fantomas series can achieve.
The film is a masterclass in comedic timing and clever storytelling. Louis de Funès, reprising his role, delivers yet another brilliant performance, filled with his trademark expressiveness and comedic flair. His portrayal of the beleaguered commissioner, constantly outwitted by the elusive Fantomas, is both hilarious and relatable.
Fantomas Unleashed excels in its ability to blend elements of comedy with an engaging plot. The storyline is fast-paced and full of twists, keeping the audience entertained and on their toes. The film's adventurous spirit is contagious, and the pursuit of the cunning Fantomas provides a perfect backdrop for the comedic escapades.
The production values of Fantomas Unleashed are impressive, with vibrant set designs and creative costumes that add to the film's visual appeal. The supporting cast contributes significantly to the film's charm, providing a perfect foil for de Funès' character.
The film is a masterclass in comedic timing and clever storytelling. Louis de Funès, reprising his role, delivers yet another brilliant performance, filled with his trademark expressiveness and comedic flair. His portrayal of the beleaguered commissioner, constantly outwitted by the elusive Fantomas, is both hilarious and relatable.
Fantomas Unleashed excels in its ability to blend elements of comedy with an engaging plot. The storyline is fast-paced and full of twists, keeping the audience entertained and on their toes. The film's adventurous spirit is contagious, and the pursuit of the cunning Fantomas provides a perfect backdrop for the comedic escapades.
The production values of Fantomas Unleashed are impressive, with vibrant set designs and creative costumes that add to the film's visual appeal. The supporting cast contributes significantly to the film's charm, providing a perfect foil for de Funès' character.
- Zooha-47207
- Feb 15, 2024
- Permalink