In the beginning was The toy, written and directed in 1976 by Francis Veber. An industrialist played by Michel Bouquet offered Pierre Richard to his rotten spoiled kid who wanted to make him his living toy. In 2022, The new toy by James Huth, conceived at the initiative of Jamel Debbouze, who had already contacted Francis Veber to take over the role twenty years ago, takes up the same plot with Daniel Auteuil and updated adventures.
Knowing that the two films will be released this week, which of Pierre Richard or Jamel Debbouze would you like as a toy if your whims as a 10-year-old child gave you the choice between the two?
Which one makes you laugh the most?
So Team Richard or Team Debbouze? 20 minutes helps you choose. The “toy” embodied by Pierre Richard is a journalist. The one played by Jamel Debbouze night watchman. Both are faithful to the image we have of him and to his very particular acting. Tenderness, humor and an excellent background are their common lot. We will advise you to choose the one whose look makes you laugh the most.
If you care about your business, we recommend Jamel instead, much less clumsy than Pierre who constantly gets tripped up in everything and multiplies the damage as soon as he touches something. Jamel is much less cumbersome on a daily basis. On the other hand, he is less patient than his elder brother and will soon send you boiling if he finds you too difficult.
Jamel more expensive than Pierre
Jamel is expensive, very expensive: €2,000 per day. Pierre is cheaper: the threat of losing his job is enough to motivate him. They both look naive, but they’re not stupid. They will quickly show you by example that they are not ready to do anything to please you.
“Which of us is the monster? Me asking you to take off your pants or you agreeing to show your behind? asks CEO Michel Bouquet in the 1976 film. The answer, more subtle than it seems, is the same in The toy and The new toy. We do not play with people with impunity. We therefore recommend taking advantage of the two toys, each bringing its charm and style to this clever story.