Although the story is a lot more serious, the odd humour sprinkled in keeps the story moving. Nathalie Beauvillier (Fanny Ardant), who lost her husband, is now the head, and paying the bills has been tough! Even the staff has problems, which Mr. Blake recognises, and he does his best to help.
To see a fish-out-of-water British gent being a serviceman is amusing. As for why I saw this film is that I need to reacquaint myself with this lead actor’s works. He apparently has a supporting role in the upcoming Fantastic Four movie, but the latest word is that his scenes got cut. That’s a shame when I can see him as the voice of the H.E.R.B.I.E. (Humanoid Experimental Robot, B-type, Integrated Electronics), who is essentially a butler too! Now I’ll have to look back at the works he’s best known for, namely Shadow of the Vampire (2000) and Johnny English (2003).
As for why this film succeeds is that I kept on being reminded of the sitcom Mr. Belvedere. Although the genres they belong to are different, to recognize the fact both figures found a new family fit into making sense. While this latest is concerned with how to handle the grieving process, the other is more about how to deal with life in America. While the culture clash in this film concerns the differences in etiquettes the British and French possess, I still chuckled.
Although I did not know this film is based on Gilles Legardinier’s own novel of the same name, I may read this version look at the differences. Both have to explore how Mr. Blake helps the staff deal with their own troubles, and as for how they relate to his own problems, well, it’s best to discover for yourself!
Malkovich is a remarkable talent on stage and off. Also, when there’s a cat named Mephisto to carry the film, And as for when he lets who he is out of the bag, it’s a moment unexpected but worthy of the idiom.
3½ Stars out of 5
Mr Blake At Your Service Movie Trailer
