Certainly not a best picture contender, but a good film. I think what spoiled it was James Franco. He is just not likable and lacks any warmth. Acting lessons?
Perhaps someone like Toby Maguire or even Chris Klein would have been a better choice.
I'd like to know what others think.
I would argue that Franco already had some credibility in him. He had played James Dean and won Golden Globe for it, from what i remember this was quite huge for him in the media as well, not quite oscar recognition but people believed that he would have a promising career. Then starred in 2 Spiderman movies which where huge hits. Couple of other roles here and there.
But no doubt, star power was lacking for this to be made popular. But i dont think they should have gotten bigger stars to play those kids roles, someone mentioned Pitt, but well Pitt to play something like 20-25 year old in 2006?
Instead they should have gotten maybe a bigger name for Cassidy role and maybe couple of villains too.
But they probably didnt have the biggest budget and didnt work on production/promo much.
But tbh in many ways this movie could be seen as opportunity for those kids (Franco and other less known ones) to make their opportunity. Its possible that this movie was more popular in europe, particularly france, considering that the story is happening in france and there are couple of french actors, Jean Reno is def famous in europe and france...