Flippant French fables set in 1950s Tehran, I'm all for, especially if they contain the Amelie-esque fairytale magical touches of Marjane Satrapi's creative imagination. However, this malformed monster of a movie stunk up the screen with its unlikeable lead, 95% episodic structure, and lack of proper narrative drive or purpose. The storytelling felt like the worst kind of freeform jazz - you don't know where it's going and watch in constant fear that it may be nowhere at all. Flippant? Floppant.

Although most people will say that this is more light-hearted and less important than "Persepolis", I like both very much. "Poulet Aux Prunes" deals with human relationships in a very... human way. It can be side-splitting but also very moving and is filled with wonderful images and music. An artistically amazing film but also a profound one. Paronnaud and Satrapi seem to feel relieved they are now dealing with a less serious subject, but are totally aware of the importance it, as well, has.

Without overshadowing their much lauded effort "Persepolis", "CWP" is an equally humorous endeavor which effortlessly draws the eye into their trademark expressionistic visuals. I would argue that some scenes, though meant to be tongue-in-cheek (e.g. Americans scene) took the focus away from the central story but what lies in the latter stands out: an engaging love story and a commendable performance from Amalric. Definitely grew on me as it progressed, right up to its wonderful ending montage.

I understand the will to make Iran look like fantasmogoric land, but the Buton-ish way to magify the real did not really work for me.