Medellin : an explosive mix of action and comedy
Released directly on Prime Video on June 2, 2023, Medellin tells the story of Brahim (Brahim Bouhlel), a young influencer fascinated by the figure of Pablo Escobar. Passionate enough to nickname himself “Pablito”, he travels to Colombia to make a video documentary on the famous drug trafficker. However, his enthusiasm soon turns into a nightmare when he is kidnapped by local narcos, who demand a ransom for his release.
It is then that Reda (Franck Gastambide), Brahim’s older brother, decides to organize a rescue mission to free him. He leaves with two unlikely friends: Stan (Ramzy Bedia), a crazy adventurer, and Chafik (Anouar Toubali), the “brains” of the group. Their journey immerses them in a series of absurd and dangerous situations across the landscapes of Medellín.
The film combines spectacular action scenes with the characteristic humor of Franck Gastambide’s comedies. There is also an international touch with the participation of Mike Tyson in an unexpected role.
A streaming success despite a decent release
Unlike Franck Gastambide’s previous hits such as Taxis 5 OR Pattaya, Medellin opted for exclusive broadcast on Prime Video, without going through cinemas. This strategic choice is part of the growing trend of platforms to invest in original productions to attract a large audience.
And it paid off. Upon his release, Medellin has established itself as one of the most popular films on the platform. Thus, since its weekend online, the film has reached the top of the charts in 68 countries (including France) and climbed to second place in the United States, a rare feat for a French comedy. This performance is testament to the film’s international appeal, thanks to an effective blend of mainstream entertainment and an attractive cast.
In France, Medellin divided the critics. While some praised the film’s humor and dynamism, others criticized a scenario that was sometimes too predictable or caricatured. However, Franck Gastambide’s goal seems to have been achieved: to offer pure entertainment, designed for streaming, where action and humor coexist without pretensions.
Source: Cine Serie
Ray Ortiz is a journalist at Gossipify, known for his coverage of trending news and current events. He is committed to providing readers with accurate and unbiased reporting, and is respected for his ability to keep readers informed on the latest news and issues.
