Seasoned French auteur Francis Veber (“The Birdcage”) creates an offhand romantic comedy that Hollywood rarely achieves.
Veber’s reappearing humble protagonist Francois Pignon (played here by Gad Elmale) parks cars at a fancy restaurant overlooking the Eiffel Tower with his equally nerdy best friend Richard (Dany Boon).
After Francois’ childhood sweetheart Emilie (Virginie Ledoyen) rejects his brave marriage proposal, Francois happens into a paparazzo’s photo of Pierre, a filthy rich businessman (Daniel Auteuil) with his supermodel mistress Elena (Alice Taglioni).
In order to save his marriage to Christine (Kristin Scott Thomas), the woman responsible for 60 percent of his fortune, Pierre pays Francois to allow the gorgeous but blackmailing Elena to move in with him and pretend that she is really Francois’ girlfriend.
Dueling private eyes keep tabs on the shenanigans that ensue with a sprinkle of physical comedy and humorous set pieces.
“The Valet” is a charming little comedy that makes the genre look easy.
Rated PG-13. 85 mins.
