“Kidnapping for Beginners”: Witty comedy with Sawatzki and Berkel

A perfect kidnapping? Hardly possible – at least not for Adam Lansky and his hostage Evelyn Moser. What begins as a meticulously prepared plan ends in a turbulent comedy full of surprising twists and turns. On October 17th at 8:15 p.m., Das Erste will show “Abducting for Beginners”, the third film in the popular “… for Beginners” series, again with the well-rehearsed acting duo Andrea Sawatzki and Christian Berkel in the leading roles.

The script comes from the award-winning author Christian Jeltsch and was directed by Hans Hofer. After “Divorce for Beginners” and “Sports Badge for Beginners”, this time the team humorously bridges the gap between crime and comedy.

The focus is on accountant Adam Lansky (Berkel), who, shortly before his 40th working anniversary at the cosmetics company Moser, learns that he will be replaced – by an artificial intelligence. His boss, the self-absorbed star surgeon Dr. Rob Moser (brilliantly played by Fritz Karl) sends him into early retirement without further ado.

Out of disappointment and anger at this humiliation, the otherwise so correct Adam quickly kidnaps Moser’s sophisticated wife Evelyn (Sawatzki), who is considered the company’s advertising face. At first the coup seems to be working until events become increasingly chaotic.

But the vain husband doesn’t even think about paying the ransom. Instead, Rob Moser takes the opportunity to open a new chapter with the young model Lene Halfmann (Hedi Honert). In doing so, he drives Evelyn completely into the arms of her kidnapper – but with an unexpected outcome: together the two of them forge a sophisticated revenge plan to get to Moser’s hidden fortune.

In addition to the dream couple Sawatzki and Berkel, who are married in real life, Fritz Karl, Hedi Honert as well as Jasmin Schwiers, Shadi Hedayati, Michelle Barthel and Julia Schmitt shine in other roles. As a special highlight, Isabel Varell can be seen in a guest appearance as a reporter.

With wit, speed and a top-class ensemble, “Abduction for Beginners” provides the best entertainment and is charmingly reminiscent of cult kidnapping comedies such as “The Incredible Abduction of Crazy Mrs. Stone” with Danny DeVito and Bette Midler from the 1980s.