michi-02147 Reviews

ChickLit (2016)

Calm but entertaining

[6/10 · 12 March 2017]

In order to save a pub from financial ruin 4 men - who usually meet for their weekly domino-game there - decide to write a BDSM-novel (which in the movie is currently very famous with female readers) to earn the money the pub needs. Of course, such a novel would ruin a literary-professor's reputation as well as diminish the literary reviews of a literary critic. Thus, they decide to hire an actress who impersonates the writer of this novel. All seems to work out at first, but of course the plot lives from various difficulties.

An audience used to over-dramatized Hollywood movies might find this movie rather calm and unimpressive. The characters are all lovingly drawn, the plot is entertaining but won't make your heart race. It's a lovely movie that makes you smile. Especially the music by Alex Britten is an enormous gem in this film!

What I personally thought a little disappointing was the performance by the blond lead actress who - for my liking - seemed too detached.

If you like a nice afternoon movie this is definitely it. And it surely leaves some good tunes stuck in your mind!

Blind Date (2015)

Two introverts meeting in a very introvert way

[10/10 · 9 February 2017]

What an excellent movie. Since I am thoroughly enjoying watching French movies, this movie is just another delightful watch that makes your heart cry out in joy.

It's a very classic plot: boy meets girl, they fall in love. But as the title already suggests - there is a wall between. A wall which does not seem to bother either of them. In fact, they both enjoy the positive sides of not being able to see each other and to not know what the other looks like ... until life interferes. Drama follows - of course in the French way - which makes sure the audience is well entertained. And yet again, this very French move where even the worst things are actually delightful winks of life is used - here adultery (the lead protagonist's sister) is just another joyful part of marriage.

Of course this movie - like so many others - holds a handful of stereotypical moves: the inner change of the girl of portrait by her leaving behind the strict hairdo as well as her glasses.

Nevertheless, I regard this movie as yet another French delightful gem that should best be served with a tarte and some wine. Enjoy and bon appetit!

Brooklyn (2015)

Slow, heart-warming movie

[9/10 · 8 January 2017]

This is such a heart-warming movie!

It does not display any of the fast pace often used in Hollywood movies. The plot unfolds slowly, allowing the watcher to share the protagonists' emotions. Myself not being an English native speaker, I enjoyed the different kids of accents (all very easy to understand!) used in the movie. Also, I always enjoy historical insights into entering the US (like Ellis Island) which is also very shortly covered in the movie.

Also, the actors' immense beautiful acting needs to be praised! There is surely no overacting, no out-crying drama or over-joyous happiness like in a fairy tale. The movie displays an emotional range one might encounter in everyday life - which I found very intriguing.

Since I do not want to spoil the movie, I can only recommend it! I'm wondering wondering whether a male audience would enjoy this film as much because the main protagonist is a woman. Nevertheless, it's a delight to watch!

Season's Greetings (2016 TV Movie)

Light but heart-warming!

[5/10 · 13 December 2016]

This movie is about card-writer Darcy and her new boss Will. Located mainly in their office building I'll let your mind wander and puzzle over what this Christmas movie centered on love might be about and how it might turn out.

Of course, unsurprisingly, the movie is predictable. There are the main ingredients: love, drama and of course a happy end. On the other hand, it's a Christmas movie. And as far as I see it, the point of Christmas movies is to warm the watchers' hearts, to lighten the mood and rekindle the Christmas spirit. That's exactly what this movie does. So if you're in need for a heart-lift, go for it!

Authors Anonymous (2014)

Depressing stereotypes

[4/10 · 11 November 2016]

Since literature and movies usually need a kind of conflict they center on, this movie is about a writing group breaking apart by jealous feelings.

The members of the writing group meet again and again to read and comment on each others writing. These meetings are recorded by a camera team - much in the way "like the Kardashians'" as one character would put it. In between these meetings the camera follows each member of the group on their quest to be read authors.

"Authors Anonymous" is listed as a comedy, though I most certainly would not categorize it as one. There was no chance to interrupt the movie with heartfelt laughter, a chuckle or even a smirk. Rather, one/I felt rather sorry, uncomfortable or bored by a plot that could be foretold and characters that where pure chliché.

I really like Kaley Cuoco on "The Bing Band Theory". I just felt a little disappointed that the character she plays in this movie is so alike to the one in the series. I'm very positive her range is much wider and it would have been interesting to see that. She plays her part uniquely just as everyone else in the movie does.

Still, this comedy is rather depressing. In case you are looking for something uplifting, this might not be the right time to watch "Authors Anonymous". In case you need a little Hollywood-reality insight topped with stereotypes, then enjoy!

Une famille à louer (2015)

very light entertainment

[5/10 · 4 November 2016]

Two very impressive actors in a rather dull comedy.

A rich man rents a family to learn how having a family "feels". He - unsurprisingly - finds out that family life can be rather loud and chaotic. Thus, he has to find a way to deal with it - by leaving or not.

Conventionally this is the point where you, as the reader, are invited to "see for yourself". And since I'm not including a spoiler, I'm not doing otherwise. It's just ... that a person keen on watching movies, used to different plot developments and able to foresee certain happenings ... this film won't be one of the challenging and surprising ones.

It is light entertainment. Perfect for when you are exhausted but too awake to sleep. Or when your thoughts are occupied and you need an insignificant distraction. Then this movie is perfect. It entertains in a lighthearted way.

And might sadly be forgotten as quickly as you watched it. Still, it's not a movie which leaves you with the feeling of having your time wasted!

One more thing I hope you enjoy as much as I did: The soundtrack is pure pleasure! Thus, enjoy!

The Sense of Wonder (2015)

Gentle warmth infusion

[10/10 · 3 November 2016]

I adore this movie. By nervously checking my watch repeatedly in fear that time would pass too quickly and the movie might be over it was obvious how much I wanted it to last longer.

As a lot of French movies it is a very gentle display of a delicate situation. There is some drama, there is sadness nevertheless there is this warm undertone in the background giving a feeling of hope.

Someone in favor of romantic movies, an audience who appreciates the not-overly dramatic progress of French films that some might mistake as slow, to those this movie will be a delight. It is a gem with lovable characters where even the "villains'" actions are understandable, where warmth and humanity reign before fast-beated action.

It is a good way to end a day. I strongly recommend having a pear pie with it. Enjoy!