This film was released the same week as a certain Scott Pilgrim, who, as you may well know, started life as a character in a comic. However Pilgrim isn’t the only comic book character coming to life right now.

Meet Largo Winch. He started life in a series of novels written by Belgian Jean Van Hamme in the late seventies. Incidentally, Hamme also wrote the XIII comic series, on which the excellent cel-shaded game of the same name, published by Ubisoft in 2003, was based. It was in the eighties, when Hamme collaborated with artist Philippe Francq, that Winch was re-born in comic form. This film then, follows the humble origins of Winch.

It’s safe to say that Largo (Tomer Sisley) didn’t have the most stable of childhoods. As a boy he was taken from his orphanage by ultra rich businessman Nerio Winch (Miki Manojlovic); although Nerio adopted him, he didn’t want anyone to know that he had an heir to his fortune and business empire, so he asked another family to raise him in secret. So not exactly ‘father of the year’ material then.

Then one day, Largo is informed of his father’s death. Initially diagnosed as death by natural causes, Largo soon learns that his father’s demise was far more sinister. Although not being exactly close to his father, Largo sets out to avenge his father’s death and prevent the family business from being bought out by a truly hostile takeover.

The character Largo Winch is the French GQ version of Jack Bauer; he may know how to handle a gun and a bad guy, but he also enjoys cool, casual clothing and growing facial hair. He looks like one of those euro beach bums you would find on a sun-drenched resort, probably sporting a tan and a pair of Speedos and getting away with it. There’s that air of arrogance about him that indicates that even inheriting his father’s billions, he’s not about to go changing – literally – anytime soon.

Are these helicopters really necessary in shot? They're playing havoc with my hair.

Despite having a catwalk look about him, Sisley often looks ill at ease with the whole acting thing. Perhaps the fact that the part called for him to be bi-lingual meant that he was juggling one thespian ball too many. Luckily for him however, the part doesn’t necessitate him to stretch himself that much as an actor.

Where the film does scores points is with its stylish direction. Jérôme Salle certainly knows where to place a camera, as well as capture some Bond-esque action scenes. The many glamorous locales also aid his vision. The only times he appears a little out of his depth is by including one too many flashback scenes, many of which are also a tad on the long side.

When it’s firing on all cylinders however, Largo Winch manages to provide a surprisingly entertaining thriller with pace and intrigue galore. And if Sly Stallone is watching, he should give serious consideration to adding Largo to his Expendables II list, as he’d definitely fit right in. He’d have to be quick though, as Largo has his own well-deserved sequel on the way, with Sharon Stone on board no less.