While there are laughs to be had, on a whole Veber's new film is an unfunny and offensive disaster, wasting a truckload of rich comedic talent in the process.

One reason that Veber's comic ideas are so effective is that, in addition to being very funny, they hit on the sort of sociological issues that people really do think about.

While the generally sunny tone and faultlessly charming execution of the movie ... keeps things bubbling along, there's a cauldron churning somewhere beneath.

If some situations strain credulity, it's still a rare comedy that will make us laugh and get us to think.