The face value of Hape Kerkeling's "Kein Pardon" might be a mere family comedy about mama's boy Peter Schlönzke (played by entertainer-comedian and the film's director Hape Kerkeling) who adores his favorite evening revue show a bit too much (and also far longer than might suit his age). However, the film turns into a rather keen show business satire shortly after Schlönzke applies for a performing role in that show, being the enthusiastic fan that he is.While the film never leaves its family-friendly tonal foundation and might develop too slowly for some people's tastes, its witty humor makes it a fine experience for enthusiasts of satire and/or retro showbiz films.Humor: 8/10 | suspense: 4/10 | emotional resonance: 6/10 | mesmerizing elements: 4/10

"Kein Pardon" is a German 95-minute film from 1993, so this one will have its 25th anniversary two years from now. This film is one of the reasons why Hape Kerkeling became a huge star here in German. He directed this film, was one of the writers and also plays the main character. And I must say I liked his performance and also most of the other actors. There are some problems with the script though. The film's biggest message is also the one that feels phony and not too credible. I am talking about Peter Schlönzke's transformation. He starts off as a likable, humble guy who admires a famous television show host (played by the legendary Heinz Schenk). Due to a lucky coincidence, he stops being a very low employee and becomes the next huge star, taking over the popularity from his idol. However, with his new fame, he also degenerates in terms of his character and the way how he treats other people. This transformation went way too fast in my opinion. To the audience, this feels as if we are watching someone entirely different from one day to the next. And in the end, there is exactly the same transformation with his way back to being a good guy. It feels really like a rushed happy ending, also how they reunited him with the girl of his dreams and his family.But there are several good aspects in here too. Most of these do not have to do with the core plot, but are just details and single scenes that depict the way (German) television works. And a lot of it is accurate I must say. The soccer mum with her daughter as a running gag was pretty hilarious on several occasions. The core story, also in the way it satirizes television, has some problems because it just goes too much over-the-top and feels too absurd at times to be taken seriously. So I must say that I was pretty generous with my rating of 3 stars out of 5 here. I do recommend the watch, but it's a cautious recommendation and I must say that "Im Himmel ist die Hölle los", another television parody film, from 10 years earlier is superior to this one here in most regards and this also includes the way how both films go over the top. By the way, the late Dirk Bach, who plays a small role in this one here, is the lead actor in the older film. But back to this one here. It is a decent work for a filmmaker (and lead actor) under 30 years of age, but I cannot say that it has aged as well as I wanted it to.

Ok, a very subjective view, but this film has so many great jokes, I could watch it every week. Well, I've seen it about 20 times and know every sentence, but watching it with some friends, which know it as good either is just fun fun fun. Besides the storyline is quite critical and shows in an amusing way life in showbiz and life in a typical 'Ruhrgebiet' family.As I said - great film ... ... ... 'Quatsch, dä Henne is Jungfrau !'

It's a great satire but hard to understand if you didn't grow up in Germany. Most of the jokes are based on the very special humor and talent of Hape Kerkeling, that's why I think a translation wouldn't work.Anyhow, I know people who didn't like the movie but most of them just didn't understand the subtle jokes. Every time I see the movie again there's another revelation...Did you notice the "Bollerwagen"-shop next to the "Gluecksmelodie"-machine when he passes it for the second time? It's stuff like that which makes the movie still interesting to watch - even after the 10th time...