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: «««