Nos jours heureux

Leisure centers for children haven't been often at the core of films in French cinema. That said, thirty years before "Nos Jours Heureux", Claude Millers' debut film "La Meilleure Façon De Marcher" (1976) used this type of place as a backdrop to depict an ambiguous relationship between two counselors who were admirably portrayed by Patrick Deweare and Patrick Bouchitey. And at a pinch, one could also quote Gérard Jugnot's "Scout Toujours..." (1985).

But here, it's a true children's holiday camp that is depicted here. Set in 1992, a manager Vincent (Jean Paul Rouve) has to run a children's holiday camp for three weeks and to face the unexpected concerning the place, his colleagues, various problems linked to children about the rooms, trips, their belongings. Very often, what seem at first little problems end up becoming great ones which can sometimes be solved in a curious and humorist way.

Because it's the tone used by the two directors to relate these crazy three weeks. I must admit it's a shame they have recourse to clichés to depict several types of counselors between shy Caroline, seducing Lisa who doesn't leave Vincent indifferent, big mouth Daniel. OK, these stereotypes are the motors to several comical sequences but I would have liked more originality. The same goes for the kids between the witty one, the anguished one who keeps on asking a thousand questions about all and nothing. And of course, girls are one of their biggest interests during their holidays.

That said, the energy of the actors, the nostalgic look adopted by the directors, the funny ways big problems are solved or circumvented are enough to honestly have fun and to spend a really good time in front of this vibrant comedy although it is cluttered with clichés. But as they're not too overwhelming, one can forget them without any remorse. One will also forget a too cozy end.