"Vollidiot" or "Complete Idiot" is a German 100-minute movie from almost 10 years ago and it stars comedian Oliver Pocher as the title character in the big screen adaptation of Tommy Jaud's novel. Jaud adapted his own work here. Director is Christian Zübert and co-writer is Christian Zübert ("Lammbock"). First of all the positive: I think that Pocher's approach to comedy and entertainment fits the main character here, so he was not the worst casting choice. And he is not bad either compared to other cast members. This, however, is only the case because they were really not good. And overall, Pocher is simply not a trained actor, not talented enough to carry a film for 100 minutes during which he is basically in every scene from start to finish. The story is so-so. There are good moments and there are bad moments. And there is certainly some irony about Pocher's character looking for love here and telling everybody how unhappy he is as a single male at the age of 30 given what happened recently between him and Sabine Lisicki. But that is another story, back to this film here. What I liked about it the most is that, unlike many other German comedies, it wasn't really predictable what would happen in the end and there are a couple wtf-moments. Also nice to see some familiar faces like Anke Engelke and Herbert Feuerstein in minor roles. Unfortunately, the bad outweighs the good and overall the script is simply not too entertaining or convincing. I am not sure if this is the novel's fault (haven't read it) or the screenplay's fault, but in any case it is Jaud who is to blame. Maybe he should not have adapted his own work and let the job be done by a true professional. I do not recommend "Vollidiot". Thumbs down. This is another one of these German films where stand-up comedians turn into actors and the outcome is nothing great. People should not judge German humor based on this movie. There are many better ones out there.
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Horst_In_Translation25 March 2016
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PizzaBizza19 November 2023I like 'loser meets beauty' stories, and I also like most of Tommy Jaud's books. They often revolve around some kind of looser who finally overcomes his awkwardness after his gf broke up. While the main characters in the books are usually relatable (often because of the many references to pop culture and real events), and you want them to get better and succeed, in the movie this role is played by Oliver Pocher but in such a stubborn and even hateful way that I just wished him the worst.
In the books the social failures of the main character usually happen because he doesn't know better, or out of some slapstick situation, but in the movie the main character is simply very unsympathetic, rude and simply put not a good friend. It's not the poor nerd who falls in love with an unreachable women, it's a rude stalker who just finds some new victim.
Most other characters don't seem to notice what an unsocial person he is. Even stuff that could be deemed cute and funny in the book turn angry and spiteful in Pochers interpretation.
Pocher probably was used for this movie due to his (then) rising popularity, and if this performance ever worked, it has aged terrible. -
heywood-1519 April 2007A really entertaining movie, I had a lot of laughs. Some quotes really make you laugh out loud. The plot is about a 30 year old salesman who is frustrated being solo since his girlfriend left him. Besides that he cannot pay his bills and hates his job. It's a typical story about love, friends and money but for a German movie it's untypical funny! A mix between true and clever jokes & silly slapstick keeps you smiling and focused on the movie. Oliver Pocher's performance is mostly very good but he isn't a great actor for the really sad moments. When his girlfriend tells him it's over he still seems smiling. On the other hand, I loved the frustrated, angry & desperate side of his role. If you know the German language or if it will be translated, don't miss this movie !