Film Review -- The Intouchables

This French comedy stars François Cluzet and Omar Sy. When wealthy Frenchman Philippe (Cluzet) becomes a quadriplegic following a paragliding accident, he hires an ex-con from the Paris projects, Driss, (Sy) to be his caretaker. Despite objections from Philippe's other employees, he and Driss forge an unlikely friendship. The film, based on a true story, was very uplifting, to my surprise. I expected the story to be sadder than it was, on account of the protagonist's condition. However, the film is laced with comedy throughout, and Philippe's unwavering optimistic attitude leaves little room for tear-jerking. The chemistry between the actors is fantastic, with most of the laughs coming from Driss's adjustment to the world of French aristocracy. Hopefully this mighty little film makes runs for Best Foreign Language Film at this season's top awards show (should it be eligible), for it is a beautiful, inspiring, superbly-told story.

Should you see it: Yes
Grade: A-

Film Review -- Hope Springs

This romantic dramedy stars Meryl Streep, Tommy Lee Jones, and Steve Carrell. Kay (Streep) has been married to Arnold (Jones) for thirty-one years, and the suburban couple lives a simple, ordinary life. However, Kay is growing increasingly dissatisfied with the lack of passion in her marriage, and, defying her usually passive demeanor, decides to do something about it. She signs a reluctant Arnold and herself up for a week of intense marriage counseling from renowned therapist Dr. Feld, in the idyllic town of Great Hope Springs. What ensues is a week of awkward conversations, flaring tempers, and much soul-searching. Although the film features a very appealing cast, the script is not deserving of any of them. Streep, one of the best actresses in the history of film, plays a very uninteresting character who, even though takes a brave initiative to try to salvage the marriage, comes off as feeble, weak, and uninteresting. Jones' character is, for the lack of a better word, a jerk. His permanent frown and constant insults hurled at Kay made me wonder what it was that she ever saw in him. Steve Carrell, a brilliant comedian, plays an unfunny role, thus diminishing greatly almost all of his appeal. The characters were very artificial, and some of the situations they were put in seemed implausible. In the end, I left the theatre shaking my head, knowing that the calculated plot surely would never play out in "real life." This was a rare miss for three truly talented actors who deserve way better than these roles.

Should you see it: No
Grade: C