Micmacs (out 21 June 10, Cert. 12)

Dany Boon, Jean-Pierre Marielle, André Dussolier, Nicolas Marié, Yolande Moreau, directed by Jean-Pierre Jeunet, 2009, cert. 12

MonkeyScore: 85%

Arms dealers battle it out with one another in post-9/11 Europe, and all seem to indicate that mankind is headed for a violent and cataclysmic self-destruction. The unfortunate Bazil (Dany Boon), orphaned as a boy after the death of his father from a roadside bomb, is still trying to determine how he fits into the world when he gets hit by a stray bullet. Once out of hospital he is broke, unemployed and homeless, but finds hope in the form of Placard - Slammer (Jean-Pierre Marielle), an ex-con living in a scrap dump with a bunch of social misfits and who make Bazil feel right at home for the first time. As they turn the dump into a lovely underground home, the possibility of revenge against the munitions manufacturers responsible for Bazil's dad's death and the bullet in his head presents itself.


Jeunet is one of those rare directors that have managed to carve a very successful niche for themselves, creating films that do well at the box office without bending down to blockbuster clichés. Micmacs follows the multi-Oscar and BAFTA nominated Amélie with the same eccentric charm and original story-telling. The stylised vignettes blend effortlessly to create one of the most beautiful films we've seen this year. There is a lot to take on visually: while Micmacs was stunning on the big screen, DVD and Blu-Ray give you the time to appreciate what went into it more fully. Art direction, however, is not what makes Micmacs stand out: the film is a subtle mix of clever story-telling, humour and fantastic performances from some of France's best-loved and most gifted actors. Veteran Marielle and Dussolier are superb, as is Dominique Pinon - who has starred in all of Jeunet's features since the 1991's surrealist comedy Delicatessen. The main revelation, however, comes from Dany Boon as the unfortunate Bazil, delivering a performance that ought to put him on international radars.
The Micmacs is a stylish treat, quirky and sweet and supremely satisfying.

 

Wild Target (out 21 June 10, Cert. 15)

Jean Rochefort, Guillaume Depardieu, Marie Trintignan, Patachou, directed by Pierre Salvadori, 1993, cert. 15

Monkey Score: 78%

Antoine (Guillaume Depardieu) is a young messenger who inadvertently becomes involved with professional hitman Victor (Jean Rochefort) during a hit. Victor has no son of his own to pass the family business onto and, and adopts Antoine as his heir. Their next assignment is art thief Renee (Marie Trintignan), on their list for having conned one of Victor's client. The hitman, however, is going soft with middle-age and can't bring himself to go kill the girl. Instead, Renee becomes part of the team, leading inevitably to a very unhappy customer.


One of France's most prolific and best-loved actors, Jean Rochefort, gives a stunning performance as the bored and conscientious Victor. His suburban hitman is given two promising young actors to inject a breath of fresh air into the film: Marie Trintignant and Guillaume Depardieu, both offspring of French acting royalty. It is somewhat shocking to realise that both Marie and Guillaume have tragically passed away since the film confirmed their undeniable talent. Wild Target is an original gem that begs to be re-discovered with this new UK DVD edition, and will no doubt spark interest for the body of work of its talented cast.

 

 

Surviving Summer (out 21 June 10, Cert. 15)

Hilary Duff, Ellen Burstyn, Michael Murphy, Evan Ross, Melissa Leo, directed by Nancy Dardawil, 2008, cert. 15

MonkeyScore: 67%

Young Greta (Hilary Duff) is shipped out to her grandparents for the summer by her mom. She meets ambitious cook Julie (Evan Ross), and gains a new perspective on life as she realises how her actions affect those close to her, and particularly her grandparents (Ellen Burstyn and Michael Murphy.).

Having reached the grand old age of 22, Hilary Duff is understandably trying to make the leap from tween idol to credible actor. While she competently goes through the motions, rebellious teen Greta is no Juno, and there is not that much substance here to give Duff  a lot to get her teeth into. Still Surviving Summer has a few redeeming features. Ellen Burstyn, the no-nonsense grandma, is a treat, refusing to bow to the truculent teenager's whims. Of course, Greta is acting out: she's lost, she's hurt, so logically she falls for a charming local bad boy. Predictably he turns out to be just what the doctor ordered as she  realises that there is life beyond the dark thoughts of a teenager. Surviving Summer is likely to appeal to Duff's Lizzie McGuire fans, as they too reach their teens, but unlikely to find much of an older audience. A sweet summery tale, but ultimately as throwaway as a holiday romance.