Sr. (2022)

Genre: Documentary
Directed by: Chris Smith
Starring: Robert Downey Sr., Robert Downey Jr., Alan Arkin
Running time: 89 minutes

 

In this last years of his life, Robert Downey Sr., a film director seen by many as an icon of counterculture for his low budget comedies, looks back on his own life, with his son, actor Robert Downey Jr. by his side.

This film is filled with humanity, and, as such, it feels very poetic in its delivery. I was touched. I smiled, I laughed, I was touched to my core. I absolutely love this documentary.

Rating: «««««

Citizen Kane (1941)

Genre: Drama
Directed by: Orson Welles
Starring: Orson Welles, Joseph Cotton, Dorothy Comingore
Running time: 119 minutes

 

In his Florida mansion called Xanadu, media mogul Charles Foster Kane dies at a very advanced age. On his deathbed, he pronounces a last word: Rosebud. A reporter is sent out to interview Kane’s friends, associates, and family to figure out the meaning of this last word the very wealthy man spoke on his deathbed.

Orson Welles, who co-wrote, directed, and played the lead role in the film, based his composite character on media barons William Randolph Hearst and Joseph Pulitzer. The film was met with much controversy at the time of its release, but it is now regarded by many as the best movie of all-time.

While I would not go that far, it is indeed a great film. I saw it once years ago and did not care for it. I figured I was not in the right mood for it. Seeing it again, I got it this time. Some of the acting is overdramatic, as was often the case in that era. But, overall, a compelling story told by a great director and a talented cast. And a powerful message to boot. Highly recommended to those who have yet to see it and those who wish to revisit.

Rating: «««««

Dark Skies (2013)

Genre: Science-fiction / Horror
Directed by: Scott Stewart
Starring: Keri Russell, Justin Hamilton, Dakota Goyo
Running time: 97 minutes

 

Daniel and Lacy Barrett are living a quiet life in an American suburb with their two sons, Jesse and Sammy. After noticing multiple strange occurrences in the house, they start wondering if some strange and malevolent presence has taken over their family.

 The actors do a good job, the premise showed a lot of promise and the directing was quite efficient, but something got lost in the storytelling along the way. It all gets confused and muddled. By the end, I was disappointed, though some moments here and there made me react quite strongly, like a good horror movie should.

Rating: «««

My Best Friend's Girl (2008)

Genre: Romantic Comedy
Directed by: Howard Deutch
Starring: Dane Cook, Kate Hudson, Jason Biggs, Alec Baldwin
Running time: 101 minutes

 

Tank Turner is a help line operator with an interesting side gig. As a charming womanizer, he gets hired by guys looking to get a former girlfriend back in their arms. Tank takes them on the most horrible date possible, so that they go running back to their ex. When Tank tries his craft on a woman his best friend and step-cousin Dustin is trying to seduce, things do not go quite as planned.

While this film has moments that made me smile or laugh a bit, they are too few and far between. I did not expect much from Dane Cook, but Kate Hudson was disappointing here. I have seen her give more inspired performances. The material she was given was not great, I must admit. Overall, a very forgettable movie.

Rating: ««

Hail! Hail! Rock N' Roll (1987)

Genre: Documentary
Directed by: Taylor Hackford
Starring: Chuck Berry, Keith Richards, Little Richard, Jerry Lee Lewis 

Running time: 120 minutes

 

This is a documentary about the life and career of Chuck Berry, who is considered by many to be a key figure in the birth of rock n’ roll music. We hear from Chuck Berry himself, from his entourage, from his contemporaries in the music business and from people who grew up as fans of him. We also see footage from a concert held at the Ford Theatre to celebrate his 60^th birthday, with Keith Richards as guitar player and musical director of a talented band of musicians put together for the occasion.

This is a fascinating documentary about a complicated, but talented man. Even more interesting is the special edition DVD, with special features detailing just how difficult the whole process was, especially dealing with Chuck Berry himself. Well worth seeing. Seeing Chuck Berry and Keith Richards butting heads is classic.

Rating: «««««

The Wedding Date (2005)

 Genre: Romantic Comedy
Directed by: Clare Kilner
Starring: Debra Messing, Dermot Mulroney, Amy Adams
Running time: 90 minutes

 

As she is set to serve as maid-of-honor in her sister’s wedding, Kat Ellis is desperate not to go to the event alone, especially since her ex-fiancé, who recently broke her heart, will also be there, as best man to the groom. She decides to hire a male escort, Nick Mercer, to pretend to be her boyfriend, with the hope of making her ex jealous.

This is your run-of-the-mill rom com with oversweetness and predictable ending. That being said, the acting was decent and it was still fun to watch on a slow night. The kind of film that was fine for what it was but that I would not really care to revisit.

Rating: «««

Notre Dame de Moncton (2022)

Genre: Franco / Drama
Réalisateur: Denise Bouchard
Distribution: Laurie Gagné, Louise Turcot, Thomas Lapointe
Durée : 92 minutes

 

Alors qu’elle s’apprête à renouer avec le fils qu’elle a dû laisser en adoption il y a 20 ans, Anna, une femme au passé difficile, doit prendre secrètement refuge dans le sous-sol de la maison d’un couple âgé pour ne pas se retrouver à la rue. Un événement tragique vient chambouler ses plans.

C’est vraiment cool de voir un film tourné dans une ville où j’ai habité. C’est aussi un drôle de hasard que ma ville natale soit mentionnée dans le film. C’est une histoire fort intéressante, racontée avec beaucoup de talent par une directrice à ses débuts dans ce secteur. Dans la plupart des cas, le jeu des acteurs est solide. Il y a quelques rôles secondaires où le jeu n’était pas très bon, mais, bon, c’est sûrement une question de budget. Somme toute, un très bon film à voir.

Note: ««««

Thelma & Louise (1991)

Genre: Comedy / Drama
Directed by: Ridley Scott
Starring: Susan Sarandon, Geena Davis, Harvey Keitel
Running time: 129 minutes

 

Thelma Dickinson, a lonely housewife, and Louise Sawyer, a strong-minded waitress, are best friends. They decide to take a weekend vacation at a fishing lodge to escape from their boring lives. On the way there, they stop at a roadside bar for a bite to eat and a drink. Thelma ends up dancing with a charming stranger, who then proceeds to take her to the parking lot, where he tries to rape her. Louise intervenes, and, in the argument that follows, she shoots and kills the man who was assaulting her friend. Following the killing, the two women get in their car and try to escape together to Mexico.

This film is considered a classic road crime movie. Looking at it more than 30 years later, it feels a little dated. Some of the acting is a little over-the-top, especially on Geena Davis’ part. Sure, the portrayal of men in this film is a little biased. Nonetheless, the story is compelling and that ending is iconic.  

Rating: ««««

The Swimmers (2022)

Genre: Biographical / Drama
Directed by: Sally El Hosaini
Starring: Nathalie Issa, Manal Issa, Ahmed Malek
Running time: 134 minutes

 

This film is inspired by the true story of Yusra Mardini, a teenage swimmer who left Damascus with her sister Sara and her older cousin, as refugees, hoping to reach Germany and make it to the Olympics.

Maybe it was the mood I was in, but I found it hard to get into this one. I was tired, so, between the music, the loudness and the sub-titles, the start felt aggressive. But, once I was hooked, I was fully engrossed in this inspiring story. Good acting and compelling story. It is amazing to think of what all these people go through to make a better life for themselves.

Rating: ««««

Facing Nolan (2022)

Genre: Documentary
Directed by: Bradley Jackson
Starring: Nolan Ryan, George W. Bush, George Brett
Running time: 102 minutes

 

This documentary looks at the life and career of Nolan Ryan, who had a massive record-breaking career as a pitcher in Major League Baseball. We hear from family members, former teammates, former adversaries and people who admired him throughout his career.

While I am not a huge baseball fan, this documentary managed to hook me and to keep me interested all the way through. It offers a great look at a man and at his legendary career.

Rating: «««««

Harry Brown (2009)

 Genre: Thriller / Action
Directed by: Daniel Barber
Starring: Michael Caine, Emily Mortimer, Jack O’Connell
Running time: 103 minutes

 

Harry Brown is a retired veteran of the Royal Marines who fought in Northern Ireland. A recent widower, the loss of his best friend, who gets brutally murdered by a gang of young adults who sell drugs in the Estate where he lives, sends him on a rampage of vigilantism.

While this is not the best vigilante film I have seen, it is not without merit. It is a little drab, but Michael Caine’s presence and performance brings it back up a bit. In the end, it is still an entertaining piece of cinema.

Rating: «««

Beautiful Creatures (2013)

Genre: Romance / Fantasy
Directed by: Richard LaGravanese
Starring: Aiden Ehrenreich, Alice Englert, Jeremy Irons, Emma Thompson
Running time: 124 minutes

 

Ethan Wale is a teenager who is getting kind of bored with life in small Gatlin, South Carolina. In class, he meets newcomer Lena, a mysterious girl he has dreamt about before without knowing her. Ethan starts a relationship with Lena, but her dark secret and her family might be more than he bargained for.

Most of the cast members show much talent in their performance, but the story, based on a novel of the same name by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl, just seem to plod along aimlessly without a clear direction. The end result is quite forgettable.

Rating: ««

Les Ordres (1974)

Genre: Franco / Drama
Réalisateur: Michel Brault
Distribution: Jean Lapointe, Hélène Loiselle, Guy Provost
Durée : 109 minutes

 

Durant la crise d’Octobre 1970, à Montréal, le gouvernement du Canada décide d’employer la Loi des mesures de guerre. Des citoyens et citoyennes innocents sont alors arrêtés et détenus sans mandat parce qu’ils sont soupçonnés d’être membres du FLQ. Ce film est basé sur les témoignages de ces personnes.

J’ai vraiment beaucoup aimé ce film. Percutant, bien écrit et réalisé et bien joué. C’est un passage assez triste de l’histoire canadienne et c’est intéressant de le revivre.

Note: «««««

David Spade: Nothing Personal (2022)

Genre: Comedy
Directed by: Ryan Polito
Starring: David Spade
Running time: 66 minutes

Over this hour-long stand-up comedy set, comedian and actor David Spade goes into various topics. He discusses the pandemic, drugs, crabs and much more. Some of his material is funny enough, but many other jokes fall kind of flat. This is a very average show. Not bad, but nothing special either.

Rating: «««

Mr. Church (2016)

Genre: Drama
Directed by: Bruce Beresford
Starring: Eddie Murphy, Britt Robertson, Natascha McElhone
Running time: 104 minutes

 Based on a short story written by Susan McMartin, Mr. Church tells the story of a man who gets hired to serve as cook for a single mother who is dying of cancer and her 10-year-old daughter. Though he is only supposed to stay for six months, he ends up become a caretaker and father figure for three generations of women or girls.

Eddie Murphy is fine as Mr. Church. He offers a very subdued performance, far from the silly ones he offered us lately. The rest of the cast if fine also. The story itself is melodramatic and overly sappy, but I guess that can be somewhat entertaining depending on one’s mood.

Rating: «««

Dexter (2006-2013)

Genre: TV / Drama
Starring: Michael C. Hall, Jennifer Carpenter, Julie Benz
Number of seasons: 8

 

In his day job, Dexter Morgan is a forensic technician for the Miami Metro Police Department. He specializes in blood pattern analysis on crime scenes. But, he is also a killer. After a traumatic event in his youth, he feels the urge to kill, so, with the help of his adoptive father, he decided to channel these urges and to kill criminals who escape the long arm of the law. As time goes on, this dark passenger within him takes more and more space in his life.

Over the course of eight seasons, this show makes the viewer go through various emotions. It is really well done. Most of the cast is absolutely superb. Some seasons were better than others. Season 4, with John Lithgow as the dangerous Trinity Killer was a highlight. Some seasons, along with the ending, were a little disappointing. But, for the whole thing, I must give it much praise.

  Rating: ««««

 

Parker (2013)

Genre: Action / Thriller
Directed by: Taylor Hackford
Starring: Jason Statham, Jennifer Lopez, Nick Nolte
Running time: 118 minutes

 

Parker is a professional thief who gets double-crossed and left for dead by his crew after a successful heist. He survives and sets out for Palm Beach, where he hopes to catch his former allies on their next big crime to seek revenge on them. Along the way, he finds unlikely help from a real estate agent with big ambitions.

The action in this film packs quite a punch, and man is Jennifer Lopez ever gorgeous. The acting is decent. As for the story itself, it gets a little silly at times. Some plot twists leave you scratching your head. Nonetheless, Parker remains a fun film for a slow night where one just wants to relax.

Rating: «««

Stanley & Iris (1990)

Genre: Romance / Drama
Directed by: Martin Ritt
Starring: Jane Fonda, Robert De Niro
Running time: 104 minutes

 

Loosely based on the Pat Barker novel called Union Street, this film tells the story of the developing relationship between Iris, a factory worker who recently lost her husband, and Stanley, an illiterate man working as a cook.

This is not a bad film. The two talented leads did well with what they were given, but the material was just a little bland. There is some sweetness and humanity to it, but there was a little oomph missing from the whole thing.

Rating: «««

Shania Twain: Not Just a Girl (2022)

Genre: Documentary
Directed by: Joss Crowley
Starring: Shania Twain, Kelsea Ballerini, Marc Bouwer
Running time: 88 minutes

 

This documentary covers the life and career of country music singer Shania Twain, from her upbringing in a very modest Canadian family, to Nashville newcomer and to international superstar.

While I am not an unconditional fan of Shania’s music, I can appreciate some of her songs, and I recognize her amazing rise from rags to riches. This film goes quickly over some things and spends too much time on others, but, all things considered, it is quite informative and entertaining. Very good.

Rating: ««««

Good Luck to You, Leo Grande (2022)

Genre: Comedy / Drama
Directed by: Sophie Hyde
Starring: Emma Thompson, Daryl McCormack
Running time: 97 minutes

 

A retired teacher who lost her husband two years prior decides to call on a male sex worker to add some adventure in what she herself considers to be her boring routine-filled life. Over the course of multiple rendez-vous in a hotel room, with a man who calls himself Leo Grande, she hopes to fill a bucket list of things she has never done before.

This is a smart film with complex, multi-layered characters. Smart films about sex and intimacy are not that common, so this was a nice treat. Both leads are really solid in their respective roles and the story had me interested from beginning to end. I love this movie.

Rating: «««««

Anna & Arnaud (2022)

Genre: Franco / Drama / TV
Distribution: Guylaine Tremblay, Nico Racicot
Nombre de saisons : 1

 

Inspirée du livre biographique écrit par Francine Ruel, cette courte série raconte l’histoire d’Arnaud, un jeune homme qui vit un traumatisme à l’âge de 20 ans. Cet événement l’emporte dans un tourbillon qui lui font perdre ses repères et l’envoie dans la rue comme itinérant. Sa mère, Anna, tente par tous les moyens d’aider son fils.

J’attendais cette série avec impatience. J’ai vécu un creux de vague quant à mon intérêt au milieu, mais la fin a très bien bouclé le tout. Une série fort touchante avec des acteurs de talent.

Note: ««««

The Year of Getting to Know Us (2008)

Genre: Comedy / Drama
Directed by: Patrick Sisam
Starring: Tom Arnold, Jimmy Fallon, Lucy Liu
Running time: 90 minutes

 

Christopher Rocket is a grown man still having a hard time fully committing to a relationship because of a tumultuous past in his dysfunctional family. After his father suffers a stroke, Christopher travels back to his hometown, where he hopes to find some closure.

This film contains some glimmers of what could have been elements of a good movie, but the story is too much of a mess to get emotionally involved in and the acting is really nothing spectacular. In the end, it just feels like time wasted.

Rating: ««

Georgia Rule (2007)

Genre: Comedy / Drama
Directed by: Garry Marshall
Starring: Jane Fonda, Lindsay Lohan, Felicity Huffman
Running time: 113 minutes

 

A troubled teenager named Rachel, who is living a life of promiscuity and drinking, is sent by her mom to spend some time at her grandma Georgia’s place. Georgia is a strong-willed widow with a clear set of rules.

This film was completely destroyed by critics, and I don’t get it. I saw it back when it came out and I just saw it again. The acting performances by the three leads are pretty solid. I was particularly impressed by Lohan. The storytelling and the pacing were a bit of a mess, but I have seen far worse than this. Still some good fun entertainment.

Rating: «««

Prey for the Devil (2022)

Genre: Horror
Directed by: Daniel Stamm
Starring: Jacqueline Byers, Posy Taylor, Colin Salmon
Running time: 90 minutes

 

To face a global increase of cases of demonic possessions, the Catholic Church decides to reopen exorcism schools to train priests in the controversial process. Nuns are not allowed in the training, but Sister Ann, a nun with a troubled childhood, is accepted after showing herself to be of great help with the case of young girl called Natalie, who is believed to be possessed.

With decent acting, good visual effects and some really effective moments to make you jump off your seat, this film manages to be good in spite of its major flaws. The story was lacking some elements to really pull it all together, and that ending was a real turn off for me.

Rating: «««

Maria (2021)

Genre: Franco / Drama / Comedy
Réalisateur: Alec Pronovost
Distribution: Mariana Mazza, Alice Pascual, Florence Longpré
Durée : 90 minutes

 

Maria est une femme de 30 ans qui ne fait rien de sa vie. Elle aspire à devenir comédienne, mais elle n’arrive pas à décocher des rôles. Pour faire plaisir à sa mère mourante, chez qui elle habite encore, elle décide de se trouver un travail, comme enseignante suppléante.

Ce film est assez caricatural. Somme toute, il contient des performances correctes, pour la plupart, et plusieurs scènes très drôles. Le jeu est parfois gros et l’histoire n’est pas toujours bien ficelée, mais c’est un divertissement potable.

Note: «««

Roger Waters: Us + Them (2019)

Genre: Musical
Directed by: Roger Waters and Sean Evans
Starring: Roger Waters, Jonathan Wilson, Dave Kilminster
Running time: 101 minutes

 

This live concert was captured during the 2017-2018 tour done by Roger Waters, formerly of Pink Floyd. Over the course of two hours, Waters performs some of his solo material and some stuff from the Pink Floyd days. The visual effects are absolutely astounding. The set and the stuff on the giant screen are mesmerizing. Musically speaking, I am not a huge fan of progressive rock. I find it masturbatory at times. That being said, here is a solid set of music performed by a talented artist and his team of musicians. It was great to revisit those classics and to hear the newer stuff.

Rating: ««««

CBGB (2013)

Genre: Biographical / Drama
Directed by: Randall Miller
Starring: Alan Rickman, Malin Akerman, Justin Bartha
Running time: 101 minutes

 

This film tells the true story of Hilly Kristal and how he created the popular venue called CBGB, in the New York City of the 1970’s, that became a massive launching pad for such bands and artists as The Ramones, Iggy Pop, Blondie, Patti Smith and many more.

Alan Rickman was really good as Hilly Kristal, but the supporting cast was a little too weak to support him in telling the story. And for a movie about the rise of punk music in New York, the finished product looked too cartoonish for its own good.

Nonetheless, I still found the subject matter interesting, which made the flaws that much more of a deception. I appreciated the tribute to Krystal, by the Talking Heads, at their Rock N’ Roll Hall Fame induction, being shown during the end credits.

Rating: «««

Beautiful Creatures (2000)

Genre: Thriller
Directed by: Bill Eagles
Starring: Rachel Weisz, Susan Lynch, Iain Glen
Running time: 86 minutes

 

Petula and Dorothy are both stuck in abusive relationships of their own. Their paths cross when one accidently kills the other woman’s boyfriend trying to stop a public beating. Both women work together on a scam to get money from the deceased’s brother, but things go sideways when a crooked cop gets involved.

This movie contains a few bright spots of witty dark humor, but, overall, it is a very forgettable piece of cinema. The story is a mess and the performances are nothing to write home about.

Rating: ««

The Box (2009)

Genre: Science-fiction / Thriller
Directed by: Richard Kelly
Starring: Cameron Diaz, James Marsden, Frank Langella
Running time: 115 minutes

 

Based on the 1971 short story Button, Button, by Richard Matheson, The Box tells the story of NASA engineer, Arthur Lewis, and his teacher wife, Norma. They have a son called Walter and they are having financial issues. Early one morning, a package is left on their doorstep containing a wooden box with a button on top. Later that day, Norma is visited at her home by a mysterious disfigured man called Arlington Steward, who tells them they have 24-hours to decide if they want to push the button on the box they received. If they do, they will receive 1 million dollars in cash, but someone they do not know will die. Their decision will set off a chain of events they could not predict.

The premise deals with an interesting moral dilemma. If that was offered, would you take it? As for the film itself, the acting performances were decent enough for the most part. The story offered some moments of good thrills, but there seemed to lack something to tie the whole thing together. It dragged along at times and felt discombobulated in certain moments. But, in the end, there is a nice little message about society and taking shortcuts here.

Rating: «««

Aline (2021)

Genre: Franco / Drama / Comedy
Réalisateur: Valérie Lemercier
Distribution: Valérie Lemercier, Sylvain Marcel, Danielle Fichaud  
Durée : 123 minutes

 

Librement inspiré de la vie de la chanteuse Céline Dion, ce film raconte l’histoire d’Aline Dieu, quatorzième enfant d’un famille modeste du Québec qui devient une star internationale après avoir été découverte par le producteur Guy-Claude Kamar, qui devient son gérant et ensuite son mari.

Avec ce film, les critiques sont dans deux camps diamétralement opposés. Les gens ont soit aimé ou détesté. Je suis dans le deuxième camp. Non, mais quel merde ce film. Et ne croyez pas que c’est par désir de protéger Céline. Je ne suis pas du tout un fan de Céline. Si Lemercier avait voulu faire une caricature de son film, j’aurais compris et ri avec elle. Mais, c’est qu’elle semble sérieuse. Le faux accent québécois horrible, les faux noms ridicules et impossibles donnés à la fausse Céline et à son entourage, la gestuelle maladroite et caricaturale dans les bouts sur scène, tout est vraiment nul. On jurerait du mauvais Louis de Funès. Il n’y a que Danielle Fichaud qui m’a fait sourire par sa performance, avec quelques répliques savoureuses, dans le rôle de la mère d’Aline.

Vraiment, Aline, c’est d’une platitude infinie.

Note: «