Cockles And Muscles

The film equivalent of a trashy novel and a glass of sparkling wine.

Film Review by Paul Greenwood | 16 Apr 2006
Film title: Cockles And Muscles
Director: Olivier Ducastel & Jacques Martineau

This door-slamming French sex farce is the film equivalent of a trashy novel and a glass of sparkling wine while sitting by a pool. A family head to the coast for their summer holiday, and the old fashioned father and the open minded mother debate whether their son Charly is gay - he isn't, but his friend Martin is, leading to numerous misunderstandings with the trying-to-be-understanding parents who have long buried secrets of their own that are bubbling to the surface. 'Crustacés et coquillages' (to give its Sunday name) is well acted, breezy fun with a few good giggles, but threatens to outstay its welcome before culminating in an insane musical number that would have even Francois Ozon raising his eyebrows.

This film is released on April 14.