Just when you think the special genre of spoofing James Bond films is all played out, along comes agent OSS 117. Played with fantastic panache by French comedy star Jean Dujardin, OSS 117 takes on the entire middle east quagmire of western imperialists, Islamic fundamentalist and even a Nazi conspiracy thrown in for good measure, all in defense of the motherland France.

The motif of James Bond, classy yet tough, sophisticated with a taste for the carnal, are here blown out of proportion. It would seem that agent double 07 really should have been French, considering how much fun they have with the genre. This is a very funny movie, which achieves something rare in spoofs, a genuine social commentary that makes us think even as we laugh.

Grade: A

OSS 117: Cairo, Nest of Spies is currently available.