La Cage Aux Folles II (1980)

Just before he is killed, a spy plants some microfilm with a list of secret agents wanted by the French government on a female impersonator (Michel Serrault). This throws his relationship with his longtime partner (Ugo Tognazzi) into turmoil as spies and agents attempt to retrieve the microfilm which the drag queen doesn't even know he has! Directed by Edouard Molinaro, this sequel to the 1978 international hit comedy isn't nearly as funny or charming as its predecessor. In fact, it's rather tired and its use of gay stereotypes engenders eye rolling rather than laughs. The film doesn't pick up until the last third when Serrault and Tognazzi flee to Italy to hide out and Serrault is forced to impersonate a peasant country wife and the humor is not only funny but pointed. Tognazzi doesn't have much to do here but Serrault's comedic timing is impeccable. It's a pity the material lets him down. With Marcel Bozzuffi, Michel Galabru, Paola Borboni and Benny Luke as the couple's "maid", who wasn't funny in the first film and is downright offensive here.