SERIOUSLY. This is what the crap Hollywood still puts out?

Plot so thin, it passes unnoticed.

I like movies that are aware of what they are selling... without [any] greater aspirations than to make people laugh and that's it.

Blistering performances.

"Achtung, fertig, Charlie!" is a Swiss comedy movie from 12 years ago and possibly the most famous from Switzerland in terms of the genre when it comes to 21st century movies. However, I did not think it was really that funny. For both lead actors, it was the first performance in a film and I am not really sure about their performances. Honestly, it may be one of these cases of looks over talent why they got cast, especially for the male protagonist. He also does not really have a career in acting now over a decade later, but he focuses on directing. Melanie Winiger, the female lead, still does some acting here and there and managed to build a successful career from this film. The only one I was familiar with here is Marco Rima. He was actually a fairly known comedian for a while, even here in Germany. Director Mike Eschmann went on to direct another military comedy a couple years later, but he is not really working today anymore in the business. Same can be said about the two writers. And honestly, I am not particularly surprised. This 90-minute film here is not really memorable at all in my opinion. The comedy is rarely funny and there are a handful pretty cringeworthy scenes/references. Not recommended. A bit sad that this is the best Switzerland has to offer in terms of comedy.

I really don't see why so many people are slamming this movie for its admittedly formulaic style. its a teen comedy, why are you expecting edgy scripts and high class thespians? its a piece of light relief intended to amuse for a couple of hours! the film itself may not have the most original of premises and DUH its not realistic that failing to reply to your call up for military service probably won't have you taken away from your bride on the wedding day - its called a plot device, yeah? the fact remains that it is a genuinely funny movie that certainly matches eurotrip or American pie for sheer quirkiness. it has some moments that don't perhaps gel so well but overall its a good film that will provide you with a few proper laugh-out-loud moments. Don't watch it and expect it to change your life, but do expect it to challenge your stereotypes of chocolate cuckoos cheese and neutrality. Switzerland is still very much a "traditional" society where women aren't as well respected as men and there is a bit of gender inequality and this is highlighted. the military is seen by many swiss people as a period where they have to turn up yeah, but the weekends are a huge excuse for getting drunk/stoned with your squad-mates and this film shows this admirably. Great cinema no. Funny? hell yes.

I have no idea why the Swiss themselves seem to dislike the film. I work in the industry, and when saw this, I was very pleasantly surprised. I only understood the subtitles, as is the case for almost all foreign films with me, and this was by far one of the funniest. So, I'm not really doing a fair comparison to Hollywood films. But if I was, I'd say it was somewhere between Eurotrip meets American pie in terms of quality and comedic value. In terms of Swiss films, its by the far the best and only Swiss film I've ever seen.Its the closest I've ever been to the Swiss army, but from what I understand, its a joke. And this film makes a great parody of it. Plus there is a token romance in it, Romeo and Juliet style, very tense.

Now here is the truth about 'Achtung, fertig, Charlie!': I've read other user's comments and I got the feeling they didn't like the movie but I can tell you why: because they are Swiss themselves and they don't like to hear the truth.Now lemme tell ya: It is the truth. Good things first: I'm from Germany. That's why I can tell. I used to work with a bunch of Swiss blokes and the two main topics were Dope and the Mafia. No - not Army pocket knives, nor cheese, banks or Cuckoo-clocks, but Dope and the Mafia. So here we are - the movie shows Switzerland exactly as it is.About the movie itself: you can always argue about the acting, but this was not Shakespeare nor Lessing, but genuine Swiss acting. So we will not be so picky about certain aspects of acting that could have been better. Let's take what this movie was made for: delivering a feeling how it is to be Swiss. And they did - just that! And splendidly!Besides, it is a funny movie, spiced with good jokes for those who listen carefully. And a touching love story, too. Just go and watch it!By the way: you might want to check out "Die Schweizermacher" - 'cause it's worth it!