Andrew Christopher Heard Canada is a funny country, and when I say that I don't just mean that we have all the best comedians, because we do, but we're funny in a lot of different ways. We tend to keep a low profile on the world stage and then gripe that we don't get enough attention. We like when our citizens become successful in Hollywood or other places in the world but don't like it that they can't get famous here in Canada. Most of all we make tend to make region specific movies and then take issue with the fact that no one outside our region wants to watch them. It's an interesting contradiction we live with and if you really think about it, it's pretty funny.We are getting better at it though, in recent years I have seen a number of Canadian films that are smarter, more relatable and better generally for a wider audience than just Canadians. In some cases we're a little ways off, in other ways we are way off. One of the films that tried to move us in the right direction is Bon Cop/Bad Cop. A film that's set and focused on Canadian culture, but with a distinctly more Hollywood feel. Buddy cop movies have been something of a lost art lately. There are all kinds of cop movies and TV shows out nowadays but buddy cops had their heyday in the 70s and 80s and haven't really recovered.In some ways Bon Cop/Bad Cop is a throwback to those types of films but with more modern technology and special effects. Where I think that the film has issues is that it relies too heavily on Canadian stereotypes. The ones we have about ourselves like the French/English divide, with some truth to it but a lot of fiction. As well as more international stereotypes like an obsession with hockey and kindness. I have never been a big fan of playing to stereotypes, I prefer commentaries to out and out parody or exploiting stereotypes, at least as a general rule. Things like Bob and Doug and Austin Powers are good in small doses but they can go too far if money gets involved.Bon Cop/Bad Cop keeps things from going too far, but it also doesn't go far enough for a one shot movie like this. Austin Powers worked because it pushed the envelope in the comedy department but had enough held back for an extra couple of rounds. This movie doesn't go far enough for a single one much less several, not that they were planning on more but then not going far enough doesn't really make sense. It has a lot of good elements that make it fun to watch but it ultimately falls short of any serious message except that Canadian filmmakers don't have to act like Canadian filmmakers.Bon Cop/Bad Cop: What makes a good Canadian movie? I haven't quite figured that out yet but I don't think this movie has it.To check out my other reviews, go here:http://andrew-heard.blogspot.ca/

kluseba This movie is probably the best action comedy movie that the Quebecker and Canadian cinema has ever seen! While some other Canadian movies have too much of a regional charming and too many inside jokes that may not convince spectators from other countries, this movie has everything to become a world success. I've presented the movie to my parents, some European friends, some Canadian friends and a part of one guy who was a little bit upset about the violence and sex content of the movie, everyone just loved it and even the critical guy was laughing quite a lot during some parts of the movie.The story is nothing really extraordinary or innovating: A strange tattoo killer searches revenge for people who have sold Canadian ice hockey teams or famous Canadian hockey players to American managers, cities or teams as it happened for example in the real life with the Nordiques de Québec who became the Colorado Avalanches. A first dead body is found exactly on a giant road sign on the frontier between the French-Canadian state Quebec and the English state Ontario. That's why Colm Feore, who incorporates a more serious, down-to-earth and somehow uncool police officer from Toronto and Patrick Huard, who plays an emotionally driven and somehow crazy and naive cop from Montreal, have to collaborate together to find the killer. The two officers couldn't be more different and the movie certainly plays with a lot of clichés, but because of the two brilliant actors, there are many funny elements in the movie and the viewers learn really a lot about the French-Canadian culture and style, but also about Ontario's way of life and the conflicts and main differences between the two states. There are so many little funny scenes, without losing the main story out of sight, that this moving never gets boring. I've seen this film maybe five times and I'm still liking it and laughing a lot even though it's difficult to make me laugh and though I'm more into other movie genres. That's what makes this movie a cult movie: You must not be a fan of comedy to like it because this movie offers something to everyone: action, sex, crime, comedy, suspense, sports, cultural stuff and a good soundtrack - I'm sure that there is at least one point from this list that you may like or be interested in! And while there are a lot of hilarious moments, the movie has some real big action scenes, has a lot of suspense, some little twists caught in between some predictable events, a great showdown in the end and also a great soundtrack with great Canadian hard rock music. A apart of the two absolutely convincing main actors, there also a few other actors who have some nice cameo roles and who are giving something special and really fresh to the movie. Some really famous actors appear like the French-Canadian stand-up comedian Louis-José Houde and there also some convincing young actors who became more famous with this movie like the very charming Sarah-Jeanne Labrosse or the teen star Erik Knudsen.Because of its fresh acting, its unique cultural approach, this movie is different from the typical Hollywood blockbusters, but it's has everything you need for an entertaining movie of this genre. It's a true masterpiece for me! And by the way the best Canadian movie which I know and i Know a lot! And still by the way, it's is really great to see actors, directors and musicians from Ontario and Quebec collaborate and ridicules the clichés of each other's culture to bring those two twisted nations - French and English Canadians - closer to each other. That's why this movie is even more than just a movie - it connects people! And another good thing: Even though this was a blockbuster in Canadian cinemas, everyone accepts the uniqueness of the movie and there is no annoying sequel or remake planned at the moment!

girlocelot Great, funny, buddy movie!Excellent action, funny jokes, off-beat, fresh morbid humor (hang around after the first shocker - it gets funnier but no grosser).The 2 leads are perfectly matched, & their characters develop to show the depth of the values they share. That sounds rather high falutin' for such a tough, fast, violent flick, but these guys are really knights in disguise. And the twist in this film is that the superficial differences that keep the dialogue tense and quick underscore that they both just want the same thing - their kids, a job & someone to smile at.I loved the hockey angle, and while I'm sure many of the Canadian jokes sailed right over my American head, the twisted, subtle and clever patter smoothed that right over. Lots of jokes, visual, verbal, situational and character-driven. The French-speaking police chief is a priceless buffoon, and there are many excellent bit parts.A lot of women may not like this one for its intense violence & sweat-soaked action. Not me - I say, get a 6-pack of your favorite beer & get ready to have a great time.Director & actors: Sequel PLEASE!

debsullivan Loved this movie! However, I am looking for the "bloopers" list and realizing no one had commented on this, or if they did I can't find it. A small blooper but an obvious one: In the scene where Colm and Patrick are arguing about who's case this will be, Ontario's or Quebec's, and the dead guy is hanging from the billboard. The actors make a few references to how the body is hanging. Both Patrick and Colm say the feet are in Ontario and the head is in Quebec. If you check you will see the reverse is actually true and the feet are in Quebec with the head being in Ontario. Like I said, a small thing -- and it won't distract you from a genuinely funny Canadian movie!