Well, hello there, kind folks. If you’re visiting this blog of mine, I presume that you have a certain interest in the cinema. As for me, even since my early childhood, I have had a deep love of everything related to movies and television. As far as I can remember, I have been more at ease in front of a screen than in the yard, outside, playing. It is a great way to travel, though other people’s stories, without having to foot any kind of steep bill. Over the years, I feel that movie-watching has even fuelled my own creativity.

All that being said, I welcome you in my Cinephile’s Nest. I hope you enjoy it here, feel free to come back at any time. Here you will find reviews of current movies and older ones. TV shows also. Some classics that have remained some of my favourites, some that have disappointed me. I will use a very basic star (*) system to grade them from 1 to 5 (5 being sliced bread level). Remember, these are just my tastes. I will try to explain in each review what I liked about these particular movies, without giving spoilers.

Il y aura aussi des critiques en français pour les films francophones, car j'aime également le cinéma dans ma langue maternelle. Avant d'apprendre l'anglais, plus jeune, je louais des tonnes de films traduits en français, surtout ceux de Bud Spencer et Terrence Hill. Ma mère a eu le choc de sa vie lorsqu'un jour, dans la boîte d'un de ces films, Deep Throat avait malencontreusement inséré. Une expérience formatrice pour le jeune cinéphile que je suis.

Bienvenue à tous, amusez-vous bien.

I welcome you all here, enjoy yourself.

Monday, May 16, 2016

4 Minute Mile (2014)

Genre: Drama
Directed by: Charles-Olivier Michaud
Cast: Kelly Blatz, Richard Jenkins, Kim Basinger
Running time: 96 minutes



Drew is a smart teenager and a very good runner, but, ever since his father died when he was a kid, his life has been going downhill. His older brother, Wes keeps implicating him in his drug deals. Coleman, a neighbor who used to be a great athlete but is now a lonely old crippled drunk, sees something special in Drew as a runner and decides to take him under his wing.

This is a charming little movie. It does not take itself seriously or get too dramatic, and the acting is good. No over-the-top chewing of the scenery here, just a sincere portrayal of characters who feel real. Richard Jenkins, who I have seen in many small roles in the past, truly shines here.

In a way, the ending felt kind of predictable, somewhat reminiscent of Gran Torino. It felt like a mixture of the Eastwood gem with a Disney movie made to tug on your heartstrings. Yet, the filmmakers had a compelling story to tell and did so in very good fashion. The tone of 4 Minute Mile is well balanced, touching enough to make you feel something without getting overly sappy.


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