Of Mice and Men (1992)

Genre: Drama
Directed by: Gary Sinise
Cast: John Malkovich, Gary Sinise, Ray Walston
Running Time: 111 minutes

 

During the Great Depression, George Milton and Lennie Small are two farm workers travelling the country from job to job. George is quick-witted, while Lenny is big and strong, but mentally disabled. The best friends have a hard time keeping jobs, as Lennie, without any ill intent, always gets them into trouble.

This is the second cinematic adaptation of the John Steinbeck novella of the same name. It does a good job telling the basic story of the Steinbeck story, though a few liberties are taken in the film. The cast does a proper job. Everyone is truly believable. A fine little piece of cinema.

Rating: ««««

Conclave (2024)

Genre: Thriller
Directed by: Edward Berger
Cast: Ralph Fiennes, Stanley Tucci, John Lithgow
Running Time: 120 minutes

 

After the death of the Pope, the College of Cardinals has to go into seclusion for the papal conclave. Cardinal-Dean Thomas Lawrence is put in charge of the proceedings, and, as the process wears on, he finds himself having to look into scandals and secrets, as personal ambitions are rampant among these men of faith.

This is a very smart film inspired by the 2016 novel of the same name by Robert Harris. The pace is slow and deliberate, but the film pulls you in if you let it. I loved how, with little cinematic touches, the filmmakers made these men of God feel so human.

Absolute kudos to Ralph Fiennes on his performance as Cardinal-Dean Lawrence. From his physiognomy to his posture, to his whole performance, he brought this character to life and made it feel real. A brilliant film that I loved very much.

 

Rating: «««««

Smile (2022)

Genre: Horror
Directed by: Parker Finn
Cast: Sosie Bacon, Kyle Gallner, Jessie T. Usher
Running Time: 115 minutes

 

After witnessing the bizarre suicide of a patient while at work, therapist Rose Cotter starts experiencing the same supernatural presence her patient was complaining about before killing herself.

This supernatural horror film does a very good job setting a mood and an atmosphere. It almost lost me there towards the end, but, still, all the way through, I was hooked. Good acting and good directing.

Rating: ««««

Mr. McMahon (2024)

Genre: Documentary / TV
Directed by: Chris Smith
Cast: Vince McMahon, Shane McMahon, Hulk Hogan, Triple H
Number of episodes: 6

 

This 6-episode TV miniseries produced by Netflix covers the life and career of businessman and controversial wrestling promoter Vince McMahon. Through various interviews with McMahon’s family members, current and former employees and numerous medias personalities, we get a glimpse behind the curtain of a business that has always blurred the lines between fiction and reality. Then, the documentary took a dark turn after serious allegations of sexual misconduct came out regarding Vince McMahon.

As a long time wrestling fan, I did not learn much here, but it was a compelling look at a dark complicated man. I am sure Vince McMahon himself is not a fan of this one. It sure does not shine a positive light on him.

Rating: ««««

Anatomie d'une chute (2023)

Genre: Franco / Drama
Réalisation: Justine Triet
Distribution: Sandra Hüller, Swann Arlaud, Milo Machado-Graner
Durée: 152 minutes

 

Sandra Voyter est une auteure vivant avec son mari Samuel Maleski, aussi auteur, et leur jeune fils Daniel, qui souffre d’un trouble visuel, dans un chalet isolé dans les montagnes de Grenoble, en France. Lorsque Samuel est trouvé mort devant chez lui d’une chute à l’apparence suspecte, Sandra se retrouve accusée du meurtre de son mari, avec qui elle entretenait une relation tendue depuis un certain temps.

Non, mais quel film absolument magistral. L’histoire est si bien ficelé et racontée avec talent. Et le travail des acteurs et actrices est splendide. C’est vraiment du gros cinéma. Un long film qui passe si vite.

Rating: «««««

Bleed for This (2016)

Genre: Biographical / Drama
Directed by: Ben Younger
Cast: Miles Teller, Aaron Eckhart, Katey Sagal
Running Time: 117 minutes

 

This biographical film tells the story of former world champion boxer Vinny Pazienza, who ended up with a severe neck injury following a car accident. Told by doctors that he might never walk again and that he certainly will never fight again, Pazienza defies the odds and makes a comeback.

The success of this film lies heavily on the shoulders of Miles Teller, who is solid in the lead role. He does such a great job. The supporting cast is good too. Some of the stuff is a little clichéd, but, overall, very enjoyable movie.

Rating: ««««

American Pie (1999)

Genre: Comedy
Directed by: Paul Weitz
Cast: Jason Biggs, Chris Klein, Alyson Hannigan, Natasha Lyonne, Thomas Ian Nicholas
Running Time: 95 minutes

 

As approaches the end of their last year in high school, four best friends make a secret pact to support each other as they all try to finally lose their respective virginities before graduation.

It was fun to revisit this one so many years later. It came out just as I finished university, but I realize now that all the actors playing high school kids are my age today. I guess that’s why it still resonates with my memories of high school. That desire to fit in and that obsession with sex, I sure do remember that.

While this film is basically a rehash of the old genre of the sex comedy, it is a well done one. Its crude, it’s dirty, its easy, but its fun. No harm in that. And damn Eugene Levy is hilarious here!

Rating: ««««