Precious (2009)

 Genre: Drama
Directed by: Lee Daniels
Cast: Gabourey Sidibe, Mo’Nique, Paula Patton, Mariah Carey, Lenny Kravitz
Running Time: 110 minutes

 

Claireece Precious Jones is a 16 years-old girl with a troubled life at home. Victim of physical, sexual and verbal abuse, she finds herself pregnant for the second time. Kicked out of her junior high school, she is referred to an alternative school called Each One Teach One, where goes despite her mother’s lack of appreciation for the importance of education.

This film is based on the 1996 novel Push, by Sapphire. It tells a grim story, but a powerful one. The cast does a strong job here. Sidibe and Mo’Nique are particularly solid. Precious is a movie that packs quite a punch, one that will keep you reeling well after its done. Well worth seeing.

Rating: «««««

Bert Kreischer: Lucky (2025)

Genre: Comedy
Directed by: Jeff Tomsic
Cast: Bert Kreischer
Time: 67 minutes

 

Bert Kreischer’s comedy is not everyone’s cup of tea. Sure, he tends to be a little over-the-top, but I usually dig his stuff. This latest comedy special is no different. Sure, he falls a little in the TMÌ zone discussing sex with his wife that much, but the material is funny. The last bit about his late dog made the show for me. It is so good. Funny and touching at the same time. I was entertained and moved. Those pants, though, damn!

Rating: ««««

The Alto Knights (2025)

Genre: Biographical / Drama
Directed by: Barry Levinson
Cast: Robert De Niro, Debra Messing, Cosmo Jarvis
Running Time: 123 minutes

 

This film is inspired by the true story of the power struggle between Frank Costello and Vito Genovese, two childhood friends who became top bosses within the Mafia. After Genovese called a hit on his rival, and Costello barely survived, things took a turn that would alter things forever.

It was an interesting choice to have De Niro pull double duty here and play both main roles, but, if anyone could pull it off, it was the 81-year-old actor known for so many great roles. De Niro pulls it off superbly here. The supporting cast is also very good.

Sure, The Alto Knights doesn’t have the same panache as some of the other classics of the Mafia genre of cinema, but it is still a very good movie.

Rating: ««««

Canadian Bacon (1995)

Genre: Comedy
Directed by: Michael Moore
Cast: Alan Alda, John Candy, Bill Nunn
Running Time: 90 minutes

 

A US president who is struggling in the polls is convinced by his advisors to stage a cold war with neighboring Canada to make the population forget their dislike for their leader. In the meantime, a sheriff on the New York side of Niagara Falls decides to get involved in the war with his friends, causing much chaos in the process.

This comedy had flown under the radar as far as I was concerned. Never even knew Michael Moore was not only a documentary director. This was his only fiction film, but you can clearly see his viewpoint here.

 Canadian Bacon goes for the silly and low-brow side of things, but it is really entertaining in the process. And I must say it feels not so far-fetched anymore, given the actual state of relations between Canada and the US. It was cool to see such a star-studded cast in action delivering laughs.

Rating: ««««

Bill Burr: Drop Dead Years (2025)

Genre: Comedy
Directed by: Ben Tishler
Cast: Bill Burr

 

In his latest comedy special, available on Hulu and Disney +, Bill Burr offers a version of himself that is at his most personal and introspective. Now in his 50’s, he discusses such topics as depression, the feelings men can have, relationships, family and the possibility for a man to drop dead just like that after a certain age.

I relate so greatly to Bill Burr’s comedy. The man is amazing in the way he tackles difficult topics and manages to make you laugh about them. This show is no exception. The man has truly become a master of his art.

Rating: «««««

It Ends With Us (2024)

Genre: Romance / Drama
Directed by: Justin Baldoni
Cast: Blake Lively, Justin Baldoni, Jenny Slate
Running Time: 130 minutes

 

Lily Bloom, a young woman who had a difficult childhood growing up in Maine, realizes her dream of opening her own flower shop in Boston. She meets neurosurgeon Kyle Kincaid and starts this passionate relationship with him. Their situation becomes tense and difficult once Lily’s childhood boyfriend, Atlas Corrigan, comes back in the picture.

This film, based on the Colleen Hover novel of the same name, seems to have been marred by controversy among the cast and the filmmakers. That being said, the product on screen is still very good. Sure, things seem to fall into place a little too easily in the story, but It Ends With Us is still a compelling look at the matter of domestic violence. A few of the lines have really stuck with me.

Rating: ««««

Novocaine (2025)

Genre: Action / Comedy
Directed by: Dan Berk and Robert Olsen
Cast: Jack Quaid, Amber Midthunder, Ray Nicholson
Running Time: 110 minutes

 

Nathan Caine is an assistant bank manager who has always lived a sheltered life because of a condition that makes him unable to feel pain. His outlook on life starts changing when he meets Sherry, another employee at the bank who goes out with him and then spends the night with him. The following day, there is bank robbery and Sherry is taken hostage by the three criminals dressed as Santa Claus. Dissatisfied with the cops’ reaction, Nathan Caine decides to take matters into his own invulnerable hands.

This film is a fun thrilling ride. Sure, some of the violence is over-the-top and there is major suspension of disbelief is needed, but it is all so entertaining. The chemistry between Quaid and Midthunder is undeniable, and Ray Nicholson (yes, Jack’s son) has great potential as a villain. Really good.

Rating: ««««

Un homme heureux (2023)

 Genre: Franco / Comedy
Réalisation: Tristan Séguéla
Distribution: Fabrice Luchini, Catherine Frot
Running time: 89 minutes

 

Jean Leroy est le maire ultraconservateur d’une petite ville du Nord de la France. Alors qu’il s’apprête à vivre une autre campagne électorale en vue de sa réélection, voilà que sa femme, Edith, lui annonce qu’elle s’est toujours senti comme un homme et qu’elle veut entreprendre le processus de transition.

Voilà une comédie française qui traite d’un sujet fort actuel et très sensible, avec beaucoup d’humour, sans toutefois tomber dans la moquerie ou la caricature. La complicité à l’écran entre les deux acteurs principaux est palpable. Un film court et punché que j’ai trouvé très divertissant.

Rating: ««««

Hesher (2010)

 Genre: Comedy / Drama
Directed by: Spencer Susser
Cast: Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Rainn Wilson, Natalie Portman, Devin Brochu
Running Time: 105 minutes

 

TJ Forney lives with his father Paul and his grandmother Madeleine. Paul is in a deep depression after losing his wife in a car crash. TJ is also having a hard time dealing with the loss of his mom, while getting bullied at school. Hesher, a heavy metal listening lush, suddenly decides to invite himself in the Forney household. In his own unique way, Hesher manages to help bring the Forney family members out of their funk.

I appreciate the off-beat nature of this film. Joseph Gordon-Levitt offered a very credible performance as the lead character. The story was interesting. It felt a little flatter than I hoped for in the end, but I am still happy to have watched it. It was fun.

Rating: «««

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: «««

Escape from Alcatraz (1979)

Genre: Thriller
Directed by: Don Siegel
Cast: Clint Eastwood, Patrick McGoohan, Fred Ward, Jack Thibeau
Time: 112 minutes

 

Based on the non-fiction book of the same name by J. Campbell Bruce, this film recounts the 1962 prisoner escape from the maximum-security prison of Alcatraz. After years of planning, Frank Morris, John Anglin and Clarence Anglin, who had all been sent to Alcatraz after escaping other prisons, made their way out and disappeared. Nobody knows for sure if they survived, but their bodies were never found.

I was curious about this film since I will be visiting the site of Alcatraz soon. This film is really well done. It pulls you into the story and you stick by it all the way through. Clint Eastwood really shined here in the role of Frank Morris. He did a good job making the intelligent criminal that inspired the film look real.

Rating: ««««

Tous toqués! (2024)

Genre: Franco / Comedy
Réalisateur: Manon Briand
Distribution: Julie Le Breton, Édouard Baer, Élodie Fontaine
Durée: 90 minutes

 

Sonia travaille comme douanière aux frontières entre le Québec et les États-Unis. Elle s’est aliéné une bonne partie de la population de son village en étant trop intransigeante dans son travail. Lorsque sa fille Lili-Beth s’inscrit à un concours de jeunes chefs, malgré peu de talent naturel en cuisine, Sonia fait appel à Victor, un chef français à qui elle a récemment donné du temps dur aux douanes, espérant éviter à son enfant une autre humiliation.

C’est un petit film sympathique, quoique légèrement prévisible. On y va fort dans le cliché parfois, mais, tout de même, c’est une bon divertissement.

Note: «««

Kickboxer (1989)

 Genre: Action
Directed by: David Worth
Cast: Jean-Claude Van Damme, Dennis Alexio, Michel Qissi
Time: 103 minutes

 

After his brother Eric gets paralyzed after a vicious organized fight against local champion Tong Po, in Thailand, Kurt Sloane, who was also the corner man, finds someone to train him in Muay Thai so he can avenge his brother by fighting the man who badly injured him.

I remember this film from when I was a kid. I liked all the fighting back then. Looking at it with adult eyes, I see all the clichés, the storyline shortcuts and the bad acting. It is still somewhat entertaining, but not always for the best reasons.

Rating: ««

80 for Brady (2023)

Genre: Comedy
Directed by: Kyle Marvin
Cast: Lily Tomlin, Jane Fonda, Ritsa Moreno, Sally Field
Time: 98 minutes

 

Lou, Trish, Maura and Betty are four older women who have been best friends for many years. They are also huge fans of the New England Patriots, and especially of their quarterback Tom Brady. On a whim, they decide to travel to Houston to attend Superbown LI, opposing the Patriots to the Atlanta Falcons.

This film, based on a true story, is a lot of fun. Good doses of laughter and more touching moments. Sure, there is a lot of silliness, but the strength of the four ladies forming the main cast is the true pillar of this flick.

Rating: ««««

Everybody Loves Raymond (1996-2005)

Genre: TV / Comedy
Starring: Ray Romano, Patricia Heaton, Brad Garrett, Doris Roberts, Peter Boyle
Number of seasons: 9

 

This sitcom centers around the life of Raymond “Ray” Barone, a sportswriter for Newsday, who lives on Long Island with his wife and three young children. Across the street are Ray’s Italian American parents, two very overbearing and ever-present people, always meddling in their son’s life. Also in the picture is Robert, Ray’s older brother. In spite of his age, Robert is ever jealous of the attention that Raymond gets from his parents and from the rest of the world.

Everybody Loves Raymond is a fun sitcom. By the time you reach season 9, you sense patterns and repetitiveness in certain moments, but the storylines are mostly quite entertaining. The strength here are the characters. They are well-defined and the casting was well done. Every cast member feels more like real people than TV characters. Very entertaining. Some laughter and some touching moments here and there.

Rating: ««««

A Complete Unknown (2024)

Genre: Biographical / Drama
Directed by: James Mangold
Cast: Timothée Chalamet, Edward Norton, Elle Fanning
Time: 141 minutes

 

Based on 2015 Elijah Wald book titled Dylan Goes Electric, this film chronicles the early career of singer-songwriter Bob Dylan, from his move to New York City in an effort to meet his idol, the recently hospitalized Woody Guthrie ; to his rise to fame, and to the infamous moment, in 1965, where Dylan got on stage with a band at the Newport Folk Festival and used electrical instruments, causing massive controversy but bringing his career to a whole other level.

This is such a good movie. Timothée Chalamet is amazing as Dylan. He brings the young Dylan to life with such brilliance. The supporting cast is also very strong. Edward Norton was so believable as Peter Seeger.

Overall, this is a film I plan on seeing again, a few more times.

Rating: «««««

National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation (1989)

 Genre: Christmas / Comedy
Directed by: Jeremiah S. Chechik
Cast: Chevy Chase, Beverly D’Angelo, Randy Quaid
Time: 97 minutes

 

Clark Griswold lives in the Chicago area with his wife Ellen and his two kids, Audrey and Rusty. Clark’s plan is to have a big shindig where he hosts all of the extended family for Christmas. He also hopes to get a big seasonal bonus from work to surprise his family with a big expense. But with redneck cousin Eddie dropping by uninvited with his family and so many other issues, things do not go as planned.

This is an all-time Christmas classic film, with zany situations and slapstick comedy. I am not the biggest Chevy Chase fan out there, but he was in true peak cinematic form here. The rest of the cast does a good job too. This one is so much fun.

Rating: «««««

How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)

Genre: Christmas / Fantasy / Comedy
Directed by: Ron Howard
Cast: Jim Carrey, Taylor Momsen, Jeffrey Tambor, Christine Baranski
Time: 105 minutes

 Based on the famous Dr. Seuss children’s book of the same name, this film tells the story of the Grinch, a mean and unhappy green creature who sets out to ruin Christmas for the residents of Whoville, after they mistreated him years before.

This is very effective retelling of the old tale, thanks in large part to Jim Carrey’s natural ability for physical transformation. He was so perfect to play the Grinch. Taylor Momsen also shines off the screen with cuteness as Cindy Lou. This is such a fun film that I love to revisit every Christmas season. Some find the tone too dark, but I dig it.

Rating: ««««