Wasabi (2001)

 Genre: Franco / Comedy
Réalisateur: Gérard Krawczyk
Distribution: Jean Reno, Michel Muller, Ryoko Hirosue 

Running time: 100 minutes

 

Hubert Fiorentini est un policier aux méthodes non conventionnelles. Alors qu’il est suspendu de son travail, il reçoit un appel voulant qu’une ancienne flamme, à l’époque où il travaillait au Japon, est décédée, le laissant comme exécuteur testamentaire. Sur place, il réalise qu’il est le père d’une jeune adulte, qu’il doit maintenant protéger de la mafia japonaise.

Malgré les raccourcis cinématographiques et les invraisemblances, ce film est somme toute assez divertissant. Jean Reno est parfait dans son rôle, et de même pour Michel Muller.

Rating: «««

Best Wishes, Warmest Regards: A Schitt's Creek Farewell (2020)

Genre: Documentary
Directed by: Amy Segal
Cast: Dan Levy, Eugene Levy, Catherine O’Hara, Annie Murphy

Running Time: 44 minutes

 

In this recently released documentary, we hear from the creators of the Schitt’s Creek sitcom, who explain how it all came about. They discuss the writing and the casting process. Cast and crew also share their thoughts, on how they got into the fold and on their experience, particularly around the sixth and last season. Cast, crew, journalists and celebrity fans also talked about the impact of the show on society as it got more and more popular.

This is a feel-good little documentary. With all that is going on in the world, it is so great to get such a rush of positivity. This is what is served here, in this documentary.

Rating: «««««

Before Sunrise (1995)

Genre: Romance / Drama
Directed by: Richard Linklater
Cast: Ethan Hawke, Julie Delpy
Running Time: 101 minutes

 

On a train from Budapest, Jesse, an American, meets French girl Céline. After striking up a long conversation, Jesse invites Céline to spend the night with him walking around Vienna, before he flies back home the next morning. She accepts, and through their night of wandering around, a strong bond develops between them.

This is beautiful film. Very wordy, but it was beautifully written and played on screen by the two leads. You follow these two young people around Vienna and you believe them. They feel real, and you root for them. This film actually brings me back to my younger days or searching.

Rating: «««««

Schitt's Creek (2015-2020)

 Genre: TV / Comedy
Starring: Eugene Levy, Catherine O’Hara, Dan Levy, Anne Murphy 

Number of seasons: 6

 

The Rose family — Johnny (a video store chain owner) and Moira (an aging soap opera actress) and their adult children David and Alexis — are defrauded by business managers and lose the totality of their fortune. All they have left is the little town of Schitt’s Creek, that Johnny bought for David a while back as a joke birthday gift. They relocate there, living in adjacent rooms in a rundown motel, where they have to adjust to a new life.

This is such a little gem of a Canadian sitcom, created by the father and son duo of Eugene and Dan Levy. It is well written and well played on screen by a cast of talented folks. Some of the characters are over-the-top, but it becomes part of the charm of Schitt’s Creek. There was a lull for me, about halfway through the six seasons, but, by the end, I was quite touched.

I particularly enjoyed the fact that an effort was put into developing all of the characters, not just the main ones. By the end of season 6, all the characters had evolved somewhat. The show also tackled some very current issues in its writing. Overall, I loved Schitt’s Creek.

Rating: ««««

 

Larry The Cable Guy: Remain Seated (2020)

Genre: Comedy
Directed by: Brian Volk-Weiss
Cast: Larry The Cable Guy 

Running Time: 67 minutes

 

Live on stage from Joliet, IL, Larry The Cable Guy delves head first in the redneck humor that he has been known for. He discusses such topics as his weight, his wife, shopping at Walmart and much more.

Last Saturday, I was looking for something light, and I was well served with this blue collar comedy stuff. I was quite entertained while it lasted, but there is not much left after it is done. Larry has the charm of not taking himself seriously in this character. It is a fun comedy special.

Rating: «««

The Big Show Show (2020)

 
Genre: TV / Comedy
Starring: Paul Wight, Allison Munn, Reylynn Caster 

Number of episodes: 9

 

Paul Wight, known around the world by wrestling fans as The Big Show, plays a fictionalized version of himself here. As his wrestling career is winding down, the big man is looking for what is next, living with his wife and two young daughters. An older teenage daughter from a previous relationship comes to live with them.

As a long-time wrestling fan, I wanted to enjoy this show. But, I just could not. Big Show himself is not without comedic talent. He’s especially good with the physical stuff, which is a feat considering his size. The problem is the material that was written was weak and the supporting cast was just bad. Most characters were more annoying than funny. No wonder this lasted for a season and a Christmas episode. The episode where fellow pro wrestlers Mark Henry and Mick Foley visit is a rare highlight.

 

Rating: ««

Jaws (1975)

 Genre: Thriller
Directed by: Steven Spielberg
Cast: Roy Scheider, Richard Dreyfuss, Robert Shaw 

Running Time: 124 minutes

 

After a great white shark starts attacking and killing swimmers near the beach of Amity Island, police chief Martin Brody embark on a boat with a marine biologist and a professional shark hunter to go on a mission to kill the awful beast.

This is a true cinema classic directed by Steven Spielberg. The action offers a thrilling ride, and most of the actors are really good. My only problem was with Robert Shaw as shark hunter Quint. I found him so hard to understand when he spoke that it took away from the movie experience for me. Other than that, I love this film. 

It all felt so actual to watch this again. A danger on the horizon, but people don't want to make the necessary sacrifices. Sounds familiar?

Rating: ««««