Christophe Lambert and Christopher Lloyd: The Unlikely Duo of a Forgotten 90s Comedy

In 1990, the cinematic world saw an unexpected collaboration between Christophe Lambert, known for his role in Highlander, and Christopher Lloyd, famously recognized as Doc Emmett Brown from Back to the Future. This partnership unfolded in a lesser-known comedy that deserves a second look.

The 1990s were a treasure trove of quirky films, and this one might have slipped under your radar! Yes, you heard it right; our beloved Christophe Lambert starred alongside Christopher Lloyd in a comedy that is now largely forgotten.

An Outrageous Pairing

This unlikely duo took center stage in the film Un plan d'enfer, which premiered in France on January 10, 1990. Directed by Gene Quintano, who is also known for the parody Alarme Fatale, the film follows the character Gus Cardinale, portrayed by Lambert.

Gus is a jewel thief looking to retire from his life of crime, but his plans take a chaotic turn when he teams up with his unpredictable stepfather Bruno, played by Lloyd. Their heist at a jewelry store leads to an unexpected discovery: they have stolen the legendary Byzantine Ember, a ruby of immeasurable worth. This revelation transforms their seemingly straightforward burglary into a thrilling nightmare, as they soon learn they are not the only ones interested in the precious gem.

Epic Productions

As they navigate the turmoil, they find themselves pursued by various factions, including the police, criminals, CIA agents, and enigmatic Turkish representatives. Some of these pursuers will stop at nothing to reclaim the valuable stone. Caught in a massive manhunt, Gus and Bruno must think on their feet at every turn.

While Gus tries to maintain his composure, Bruno revels in escalating the chaos around them. The film is packed with misunderstandings, shootouts, and eccentric characters, ensuring that the protagonists are continually on the run.

A Colorful Buddy Movie

During the height of his Highlander fame, Christophe Lambert brings a unique energy and charm to his role, while Christopher Lloyd delivers a wildly entertaining performance that perfectly showcases his eccentricity. The result is an improbable buddy movie filled with action and humor, complete with the delightful flair characteristic of American productions from the era.

Un plan d'enfer is the kind of film that elicits smiles upon rediscovery. It's a bit crazy, slightly kitschy, but undeniably endearing—a true 90s gem perfect for a nostalgic movie night where viewers can simply enjoy a film that doesn’t take itself too seriously.

Epic Productions

Interestingly, the screenplay was penned by Donald E. Westlake and David Koepp, the latter being a well-known figure in Hollywood. Koepp is credited with writing the script for Jurassic Park and the recent Disclosure Day for Steven Spielberg. Un plan d'enfer marked the second screenplay of his career, following Appartement zéro in 1988.

Unfortunately, the film did not fare well at the box office and has become nearly impossible to find in common DVD editions in France. However, it can still be discovered on certain websites through second-hand markets.

It’s important not to confuse this film with a similarly titled movie directed by Peter Hewitt in 2009, featuring Morgan Freeman and Christopher Walken, which also revolves around a heist but focuses on a museum setting.