RHUM

If the idea of a German Love Actually gets you in the ticklish spot, have I got a film for you! The press kit says its a male version of Sex and the City but don't let that put you off, it's not really much like Sex and the City. But it is a big commercial Warner Bros romantic ensemble production.

No, I didn't know Warners made "foreign films" either. Sweet.

You know the deal. A bunch of loosely related character go about their various relationship issue and slowly slowly their stories all link in together. There's lots of subplots leading up to the tie together but they all get a fair run.

There's the hilariously washed up middle aged pop star. The hip DJ who longs for a quiet country life with the princess of his dreams. The handsome lost guy who just realised that one night stand was the love of his life. The geeky accountant who has a great lady but he's sacred of 'you know what'. And of course the guy with the awesome wife and a baby on the way who seems to have it made but is still struggling to keep it all together. Add to this a ruthless record exec, a sleazy up and coming pop star and a prisoner with a sensitive side.

The female objects of the boys' affections are on the whole well rounded, strong women with lives and careers outside their male counterparts. Thankfully not mere pretty set dressing. These are women who invariably make more sense and sensible decisions. Generally a better handle on keeping their shit together.

This is a good example of the diversity in current German cinema being served up at the festival. It's funny, cute, light, not amazingly memorable and if you like it it's a sequel so you're viewing is doubled. Me, I liked it a lot. Men In The City 2 is deftly charming. Perhaps the middle section drags a fraction but on the whole it's just the fluff for your next date movie.

Anyone keen?

3.5 / 5 Stars

Reviewed at Festival of German Films 

Directed by Simon Verhoeven

*Actual film comes complete with subtitles, sorry this was the only trailer I could find.