July 30--In "Jurassic World," a movie about undocumented workers (the dinosaurs) adjusting to life, and theme park employment, in their adopted home, Omar Sy takes a supporting role, backing up the heroics of headliner Chris Pratt. In his too-few scenes Sy gives a serviceable, mechanical blockbuster a rooting interest and a jolt of charisma it wouldn't otherwise have.
The actor's career-making French-language hit came earlier, with "The Intouchables," the $400 million-grossing international sleeper of the feel-good realm. Sy's latest film, "Samba," reunites him with the writers-directors Olivier Nakache and Eric Toledano. Veering from broad comedy and musical numbers to misjudged, uncertain melodrama, the result is very odd indeed.
The title character is coping with undocumented-worker status and the threat of deportation. Early in the film the Senegalese restaurant employee Samba encounters Alice, a nervous immigration advocacy volunteer portrayed by Charlotte Gainsbourg. Sparks fly, subtly. Alice becomes a flustered mass of conflicted feelings every time he's near. Despite the center's rules and regulations about blurring professional and personal lines, the lines get fuzzy, as does the movie itself.
The cast is full of strong actors, among them Tahar Rahim (riveting in "A Prophet") as Samba's allegedly Brazilian friend and confidant. It's easy to enjoy what the cast does on screen; it's harder to buy the nutty mood swings and, as written, Gainsbourg's generic trainwreck of a character. She's a terrific, soulful actress, yet this may be her first truly unconvincing performance. On the other hand, Sy and Gainsbourg look great together on screen. That may be enough for all those who fell for "Intouchables."
Michael Phillips is a Tribune critic.
mjphillips@tribpub.comTwitter @phillipstribune
"Samba" -- Two stars
MPAA rating: R (for language)
Running time: 1:58
Opens: Friday. In French with English subtitles.
