Lee (2023)

Genre: Biographical / Drama
Directed by: Ellen Kuras
Cast: Kate Winslet, Andy Samberg, Alexander Skarsgard
Running Time: 116 minutes

 

This film tells the story of Lee Miller, a former fitness model turned photographer. Working for Vogue Magazine, she would go overseas during World War II to capture images from the war zones.

This film is so compelling, and the dedication of Kate Winslet to the role of Lee Miller is easy to see in her performance on screen. She comes off the screen and make you believe that character so deeply, with all its flaws, its strength and its vulnerabilities. Kudos to her. The supporting cast was also solid.

This is a powerful film. The end did pack quite a punch for me. I intend on watching that one again somewhere down the line.

Rating: «««««

Anyone But You (2023)

Genre: Romantic Comedy
Directed by: Will Gluck
Cast: Sydney Sweeney, Glen Powell, Alexandra Shipp
Running Time: 103 minutes

 

After a chance encounter in a café, Ben and Bea spend an evening and night together that starts so well but falls apart. Six months later, they encounter each other again as they find themselves in the same wedding party. They have to travel to Australia with the group to take part in the destination wedding, blaming each other for the first date not having a successful end.

This is a really fun rom-com. The end is predictable, of course, but the road there is so entertaining. The dialogues are fun and the acting is very good. Watched this on Friday evening with the wife and we both enjoyed very much.

Rating: ««««

Dave Chappelle: The Dreamer (2023)

 Genre: Comedy
Directed by: Stan Lathan
Cast: Dave Chappelle
Running Time: 56 minutes

 

In this comedy special, Dave Chappelle discusses the importance of dreams, going back to his time doing the Chappelle Show and then discussing his ever-growing standup career. He also talks about Jim Carrey, the trans community, handicapped people, the Will Smith slap received by Chris Rock and much more. It was a very good special, it just felt a little short to me. I would have taken more.

Rating: ««««

Lac Mystère (2013)

Genre: Franco / Drama
Réalisateur: Érik Canuel
Distribution: Maxim Gaudette, Laurent Lucas, Laurence Leboeuf
Durée: 118 minutes

 

Après avoir été trahi par ses proches, Eric L’Heureux décide de se sauver avec son chien et l’argent de la compagnie familiale. Il s’installe dans un chalet situé tout près du lac Kaionwahere. Malgré son désir d’isolement, il se retrouve dans une histoire impliquant un voisin français envahissant, une danseuse et son copain policier extrêmement jaloux et possessif.

Ce film n’est pas sans intérêt. Il offre une certaine dose de divertissement, mais l’histoire contient un peu trop d’éléments. Et le faux accent anglophone de Laurence Leboeuf est quelque peu irritant. Somme toute, un film correct qui ne passe pas à l’histoire.

 Note: «««

The Monkey (2025)

Genre: Horror Comedy
Directed by: Osgood Perkins
Cast: Theo James, Christian Convery, Colin O’Brien
Time: 98 minutes

 

Twin brothers Hal and Bill Shelburn are twin brothers that had their lives turned upside down by an evil drum-playing monkey toy that caused multiple deaths in their entourage. They had etched a plan to get rid of it, but, years later, it is back causing more damage.

This film is based on a short story written by Stephen King. I absolutely loved the tone of this movie. It was a cool mix of horror and comedy that kept me wildly entertained all the way through. It was over-the-top, it was gory, it was fun.

Rating: ««««

Shameless (2011-2021)

 Genre: TV / Comedy / Drama
Starring: William H. Macy, Emmy Rossum, Ethan Cutkosky, Emma Kenney, Jeremy Allen White
Number of seasons: 11

 

In this American adaptation of the British series of the same name, we see the Gallagher clan go through life in the South side of Chicago. The father, Frank, is a raging alcoholic and drug addict who is rarely there for his six kids. The mother has left the home a while back, so the older kids are left to fend for themselves and their younger siblings.

After watching the British original, I decided to give this version a chance. I am glad I did. There were less of a turnover of character is the US version and a better constant focus on the Gallaghers throughout the 11 seasons. It was cool to see the characters evolve and age through the years.

There was a lull halfway through where things were dragging and I almost lost interest, but the series ended strong, with lots of dark humor and some touching elements. A good ensemble cast delivering compelling material.

Rating: ««««

The Unbreakable Boy (2025)

Genre: Biographical / Drama
Directed by: Jon Gunn
Cast: Zachary Levi, Jacob Laval, Meghann Fahy
Time: 109 minutes

 

Scott and Teresa LeRette are a young couple with two children, the oldest of which is called Austin. Austin is autistic and he also suffers from a rare condition that makes his bones brittle. As his eldest son grows, Scott finds it harder to relate to him and to make him happy, which causes a lot of strain on the marriage and on the whole family.

This film is based on a book that relates the true story of a very special boy. It is a movie with lots of charm. It is touching. It is well delivered on screen. It is not without clichés, but it offers some good entertainment.

Rating: «««