Okay, let's rewind the tape and pop this one in. There are certain cinematic pairings that just feel like an event, names side-by-side on a poster that promise something special, even years after their heyday. Seeing Jean-Paul Belmondo and Alain Delon reunited on screen in Half a Chance (1998) – Une chance sur deux in its native French – felt exactly like that. For anyone who remembered their electrifying, fractious chemistry in the gangster classic Borsalino (1970), the near three-decade wait for a rematch was loaded with anticipation. Did this late-90s slice of French action-comedy live up to that legendary promise? Well, that's a more complicated question, like figuring out paternity after twenty-odd years.
A Father Figure… Or Two
The premise itself has a certain nostalgic charm, a high-concept hook common in the era. Alice (Vanessa Paradis) is fresh out of prison after taking the fall for a car theft gone wrong. Her recently deceased mother leaves behind a cassette tape revealing a secret: during a whirlwind romance twenty years prior, she loved two men equally and simultaneously. One of them, her mother confesses, is Alice’s father, but she never knew which. Armed with this knowledge and a youthful determination, Alice tracks down the two potential dads: Léo Brassac (Jean-Paul Belmondo), a gregarious former mercenary turned exotic car dealer and restaurateur, and Julien Vignal (Alain Delon), a cool, sophisticated ex-jewel thief running a high-end hotel. Just as this unlikely trio begins to navigate their strange new reality, Alice’s past catches up – the stolen car belonged to the Russian mafia, and they want their money back, plus interest. Suddenly, the two aging, retired rogues must dust off their old skills, put aside their simmering rivalry (mostly), and protect the young woman who might be their daughter.
Legends Reunited
Let's be honest: the main draw here is seeing Belmondo and Delon share the screen again. And in that regard, Half a Chance delivers a specific kind of pleasure. Director Patrice Leconte, known for more arthouse-leaning fare like Ridicule (1996) and later The Girl on the Bridge (1999), seems almost content to step back and let his legendary leads simply be. Belmondo, even in his mid-60s here, still possesses that infectious, slightly battered charm, the twinkle in his eye hinting at a lifetime of adventure (and perhaps a few bar fights). He throws himself into the action sequences with surprising gusto – a reminder that Belmondo famously loved performing his own stunts throughout his career, a dedication that undoubtedly contributed to his rugged appeal. Watching him playfully spar, both verbally and sometimes physically, with Delon is where the film truly sparks.
Delon, ever the counterpoint, embodies icy cool and detached elegance. Where Belmondo is earth, Delon is air – sharp suits, measured responses, and a gaze that could freeze champagne. Their dynamic, built on decades of off-screen history and on-screen rivalry, feels authentic. They needle each other, compete subtly for Alice's (and the audience's) affection, yet ultimately find a grudging respect and camaraderie when danger calls. It’s not quite the volatile energy of Borsalino, naturally – time mellows even the most iconic gangsters – but the chemistry remains undeniable. It’s like watching two old lions playfully swatting at each other, aware of their power but mostly content to bask in the Riviera sun.
Holding Her Own
Caught between these two titans is Vanessa Paradis. Already a massive pop star and established actress in France (and known internationally partly for her relationship with Johnny Depp around this time), she brings a necessary youthful energy and vulnerability to Alice. She manages the difficult task of holding the screen against Belmondo and Delon without being overshadowed, grounding the sometimes outlandish plot with a believable sense of bewildered affection for these two potential fathers who barrel back into her life. Her performance prevents the film from becoming merely a nostalgia trip for the two male leads; Alice's journey is, ostensibly, the heart of the story.
Sun, Guns, and Throwback Charm
Leconte films the French Riviera beautifully, giving everything a glossy, sun-drenched late-90s sheen. The action sequences are competent, if not groundbreaking, relying more on the charisma of the stars than complex choreography. There are car chases, shootouts, and a few explosions – standard fare for the genre, but elevated slightly by the novelty of seeing these particular actors involved. One interesting tidbit is that the film was a significant investment, reportedly costing around $23 million (a hefty sum for a French production then). While it performed reasonably in France, it didn't quite recoup that cost internationally, perhaps indicating that the specific appeal of this legendary reunion was more potent domestically.
The script, co-written by Leconte, often feels secondary to the star power. The Russian mafia plot is fairly generic, serving mainly as a catalyst to force Léo and Julien back into action. The central mystery of Alice's paternity is maintained throughout, providing a gentle comedic thread amidst the gunfire. Is it predictable? Perhaps. Does the blend of light comedy, paternal sentiment, and sudden bursts of violence always mesh perfectly? Not quite. The tone can wobble occasionally, unsure whether it wants to be a heartfelt family drama or a straightforward action flick.
A Chance Worth Taking?
Watching Half a Chance today feels like unearthing a specific kind of VHS treasure. It’s not a lost masterpiece, nor is it a film likely to convert anyone not already charmed by its leads. Yet, there's an undeniable warmth to it. It’s the cinematic equivalent of comfort food – familiar flavours served up by beloved chefs. Seeing Belmondo and Delon together, older, perhaps wiser, but still radiating star power, is a genuine treat. I remember renting this back in the day, drawn purely by those names on the box, and feeling a sense of satisfaction, even if the film itself wasn't perfect. It felt like a respectful, affectionate curtain call for a certain kind of cinematic partnership.
Rating: 6/10
The rating reflects the film's undeniable charm derived almost entirely from its legendary leads. The plot is thin and the action generic, preventing it from reaching classic status, but the sheer nostalgic pleasure of seeing Belmondo and Delon share the screen again, alongside a capable Vanessa Paradis, makes it a worthwhile watch for fans. It doesn't quite capture the lightning-in-a-bottle magic of their earlier work, but it serves as a warm, if slightly uneven, final salute to their unique cinematic chemistry. It’s a film that exists almost purely for the joy of the reunion, and sometimes, isn’t that enough?