Wish I Was Here

With his acting career in the dumps, Aiden Bloom steers a new tack in life, taking over his kids education when private school becomes too costly.  Finding much to learn as well as teach, Aiden develops his own unique curriculum for the kids.  Not Academy Award material but entertaining.  The kids are a hoot.  I give it a six and say save it for DVD.  Stars Zack Braff, Donald Falson, Josh Gad.

Snowpiercer

The Earth's remaining inhabitants are confined to a single train circling the globe as revolution brews among the class-divided cars.  Based on a French graphic novel and set in a new ice age, this futuristic thriller stars a top-notch cast.  It will take a lot to  convince me that drugs are not involved.  There is some deep and I mean deep  philosophical point here but I was too astounded to analyze.  It helps to have a glass of wine before going to this movie.  I give it a 5 and suggest  saving it for DVD.  Stars Chris Evans, Tilda Swinton, Jamie Bell, John Hurt, Ed Harris.

Begin Again

Moving to New York City proves disastrous for a young singer after her boyfriend yields to the temptations of another woman.  But opportunity comes knocking when she meets a recently axed music producer looking to launch her career and save his own.  An entertaining movie with great music.  I give it a 7.  Stars Keira Knightley and Mark Ruffalo.

Violette

Impoverished Violette Leduc finds a mentor in best-selling author Simone de Beauvoir, who champions her work and encourages her art.  But while the two become life long friends, Violette yearns for something more.  The movie takes place after WWII until the  late 1950's.  Very dark movie  about a real French author.  Lots of perspective on the rights of women.  It is definitely for the intellectual type who likes touchy feely.  I give is a 6+.  Stars Emmanuelle Devos, Sardrine Kiberlain, Catherine Hiegel, Oliver Py.

Chinese Puzzle

This trilogy by Cedric Klapisch gets a 9+ from me.  In order to get the most out of it, follow the following steps:

Step One: Rent L'Auberge Espagnole the 2002 film about Xavier Rousseau, the 20 something Parisian who goes to Spain to  learn Spanish which will further his financial career.  For one year while he studies Spanish he lives in an apartment with a colorful international group of  20 something male and females.  He leaves the love of his life, Martine, back in Paris who he eventually breaks up with.

Step Two:  Rent Russian Dolls the 2005 film that continues the exploits of Xavier and the now almost 30 group from L'Auberge Espagnole.  Xavier is smitten with Wendy from that group and is wooing her even though he continues his friendship with now divorced Martine.

Step Three:  Chinese Puzzle (now in theaters) is a must see especially if you have seen the previous two.  Xavier is now almost40 and newly divorced from Wendy and is pursuing a writing career.  He follows his wife and two kids to the Big Apple to start over.  Yes the characters from the previous two movies show up here too.   All three movies are among my favorites.  Chinese Puzzle is the best of the lot and you should not miss it.  Stars:  Romain Duris, Audrey Tautou, Cecile DeFranco , Kelly Reily.