Cafe de Flore (4.5)

(Trailer) 

2011 French-Canadian drama by Jean-Marc Vallee.

I had no idea where this movie was going to take me. It was suggested to me by someone last year but I  never got around to seeing it until yesterday. I thought that what this movie was was going to be at face value. They lead you to believe it's about one thing...then another...then another and each time it gets deeper and more intense until you are completely sucked into the film.

At least, that's what it was like for me.

The acting in this by EVERYONE was flawless (Vanessa Paradis, Kevin Parent, Helene Florent, etc). Even the kids. Heck, especially the kids. I forgot completely that I was watching actors or even watching a movie for most of this film.

The direction, music, pace, cinematography, script and how each flowed so flawlessly into each other was magic. I haven't seen such a well done drama in a long time. There was no unnecessary drama added in to create false climaxes. There was no fake acting, no yelling or throwing without reason. I just...well, it's one of those movies that you don't realize how much it's hit you until it's over and you sleep and forget it and then try to write a review about it.

At least, that's what it is like for me.

It struck a personal cord for me as well as I flip back and forth between my belief in life after death and past lives yadda yadda but this shaped it and framed it and broke it over my head in a way that I hadn't taken the time to think of before. Very powerful. Very well planned and so well executed. But, the less you know the better.

Regardless, as a Canadian I am 100% proud of this being made in Quebec and I think everyone should give this a chance. Warning: just when you think it's intense it gets more intense.

4.5/5 ADSENSE HERE

Charlie Wilson's War (3.5)

(Trailer) 

Directed by Mike Nichols, this 2007 film is based on the true story about Charlie Wilson, a Texas congressman who takes on covert missions to assist the rebels in defeating the Soviets in Afghanistan in the 80s.

Tom Hanks (Larry Crowne, Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close) is one of my all time favourites. I have yet to see a Tom Hanks movie that I didn't like (and don't plan on it). I like his acting style. I think that he does a good job of fully embodying characters and bringing a certain personal touch to each movie. I dig it. Dig the Hanks.

Julia Roberts (Eat Pray Love) on the other hand is annoying me slowly and her face is also slowly scaring me with age. That being said, she really isn't in this movie very much and her character plays a not so crucial part which is great.

Speaking of great, Philip Seymour Hoffman (The Ides of March, Pirate Radio) . Another person that, although I may not enjoy all of his movies, I love all of his performances. The movies I didn't like had nothing to do with him. While Hanks embodies character Hoffman literally embodies them. He is a very physical actor and obtains certain characteristics with different characters that I love to watch. He is great on screen and I tip my hat to him.

Like the story. I liked learning about this true story because I really had no idea that it happened as I wasn't really born at the time BUT it doesn't mean I didn't fully grasp the intensity of what he took on. I liked Charlie Wilson as a person (or at least Tom Hanks being him) and I found it really interesting. The humour helped but the movie left off on a rather depression note. Although...can you blame them?

It may look boring and start out as a movie that you may not be sure where it is going but it quickly comes up from nowhere and rockets you into a story that is almost too crazy to be true.

3.5/5


ADSENSE HERE

The Way (4.5)

(Trailer)

I love a good journey/adventure movie. A friend of mine just did a part of the camino de Santiago pilgrimage only 2 weeks ago and though we haven't spoken face to face about it yet I know from a few messages and photos that it really affected her. I looked it up and started to get obsessed with the idea of doing it. Then, on Netflix, I saw this movie. I had to watch it. Mostly I wanted to just see what the journey looks like and how hard it is, but what I got was an amazing script with lots of emotions and some beautiful scenery.

Emilio Estevez wrote, produced and directed this movie...and even acted in it here and there. I cannot believe how well he did on this movie. I suppose I haven't really paid attention to his career past the Mighty Ducks but I was totally taken by surprise with the steady emotion carried by every well planned character.

While my interest in the camino de Santiago kept me interested, the rawness to the characters (especially Martin Sheen), the consistency pace and the script really made this movie great. I highly enjoyed it. I like how they didn't cloud the movie with dialogue as the emotions and scenery speak for most of it and sometimes words ruin an already perfect balance between the bond of characters and the look and feel of a movie.

I did think that one dramatic scene was a little forced but I liked that they didn't add extra action or tension for no reason. I found that some of the character intros were confusing but it all panned out and has confirmed my obsession with doing this adventure at some point over the next two years. It fuelled my inspiration to travel.

Bonus: great soundtrack.

4.5/5 ADSENSE HERE