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Reviews
A Good Year (2006)
Well Chosen Collaboration Between Russell Crowe & Ridley Scott
A Good Year certainly never received the accolades it so much deserved. Another great collaboration between uber talented method actor Russell Crowe and Ridley Scott, the director who guided him to Oscar fame in 'Gladiator' some six years prior.
Based on a Peter Mayle book, the film does the book excellent justice and even manages to make the cinematic transition without losing or adding much in the process. Russell Crowe is fabulous as Maximillian, the cold, power hungry trader who spent summers as a lad in Provence, France with his eccentric English Uncle Henry, while learning the finer things in life. Sadly, for the last 10 years of Uncle Henry's life, Max neither visited or contacted him. When asked by his assistant, Jasmine, why there was no communication for so long, Max glibly replies 'that's probably got something to do with my becoming an a**hole.' The story line is obvious, but it is absolutely charming and Crowe's performance is an essential part of what makes it work. As always, he is gorgeous to look at, and his trust in Ridley Scott as a director allows him to simply have fun here – a nice break from all of the heavy (and often heavy handed) Oscar bait bio-pics he has otherwise excelled in.
The supporting cast is fantastic as well. Everyone works well together and the chemistry between Crowe and Cotillard is unmistakable. Freddie Highmore captivates as a young Max. He was perfectly matched with Albert Finney's blustery Uncle Henry. Genuine respect and friendship between the two is noted. Marion Cotillard is a gorgeous Fanny Chanel: note the resemblance to Kate Middleton, which is eerily obvious. Australian Abbie Cornish is cute and vulnerable, and pulls off an American accent like a native. The Good Wife's Archie Panjabi is understated as Max's knowing assistant, who takes jabs at her boss at every opportunity, and hilariously reserves a tiny two passenger Smart Car for him at the Hertz counter in France. Music by Harry Nilsson had me diligently searching for my 'Nilsson Schmilsson' CD.
You were right, Max - we're not here for the dental plan. Winning isn't everything, its the only thing. Checkmate, indeed.
The Christmas Pageant (2011)
Cute Hallmark Card Christmas Story
Overall, this was exactly what was expected from a cute Christmas show - no more, no less. Ed Hermann is annoying as the B&B proprietor and his wife is a cookie cutter Mrs. Claus type. Robert Mailhouse overdoes the love interest and I kept seeing his daughter in her commercial role as 'Lemonade Susie'. The worst character is Melissa Gilbert as a completely unbelievable Broadway director from the Big Apple. Bad plastic surgery, too much baggy clothing to hide an aging heavy body and too many red hair extensions make her more pathetic than likable. Regardless, if you enjoy Christmas programs that romanticize small town 'Its a Wonderful Life', this is for you. I gave it three stars only because its Christmas fun. Enjoy it with a cup of peppermint tea and honey.