OSS 117

OSS 117: Cairo Nest of Spies (OSS 117: Le Caire nid d'espions) works on so many levels - espionage thriller, comic parody, spy satire - it's a wonder to behold. This 2006 Frencyh import has the smarts and laughs that the recent Get Smart failed to provide. Based on a secret agent created by author Jean Bruce in the late 40s, the series technically came before Ian Fleming's James Bond although the French films of the 50s and 60s were less intentionally comical.

Jean Dujardin stars as the eponymous French agent who arrives in 1950s Cairo during Nasar's transition from French speaking underling to independent Arabic speaking country. He's a self professed asshole and even interrupts the pre-dawn Muslim prayer because it's disturbing his sleep. In disguise as a chicken farm owner OSS 117, whose real name is Hubert Bonisseur de La Bath, starts to weasel his way around the contacts made by the previous agent Jack who's mysteriously disappeared. There are a couple of femme fatales as there always are in stories like this.

The filmmakers give the movie the feel of a 60s spy caper with the proper cinematography and sets that evoke both the 50s era and the look of 60s James Bond films. The action ranges from typical spy meller stuff (fisticuffs in steam rooms) to romantic liaisons that turn deadly. The best thing is how smooth the whole operation flows. Just when you think OSS 117 is a complete bungler he changes pace and accomplishes his mission with suave moves. Highly recommended for regular fans of foreign films as well as adventure mavens.