Movie Night: The Artist.

Review #697: The Artist.

Cast
Jean Dujardin (George Valentin), Bérénice Bejo (Peppy Miller), John Goodman (Al Zimmer), James Cromwell (Clifton), Missi Pyle (Constance), Penelope Ann Miller (Doris Valentin), and Uggie the dog. Directed by Michel Hazanavicius.

Review
Admittedly, the movie may seem a little like Singin in the Rain with regards to an actor dealing with converting from silent to "talkie" acting, with a touch of Silent Movie. But The Artist manages to make itself stand out with its sense of style, especially with its acting. This is a wonderful movie that manages to just be what it wants without feeling artificial or lacking. It looks very nice and the music is also enjoyable. The acting is excellent, especially Jean Dujardin. He has a certain charm to him that makes the movie irresistible to watch, especially with that dog as well. Bejo is also wonderful, working as a good lead with Dujardin, the two compliment each other well. Goodman and Cromwell are good supporting leads that make the movie even more enjoyable. The movie is what it is: Fun, relaxing, and all around just good filmmaking.

Overall, I give it 10 out of 10 stars.

Movie Night: Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (2005).

Review #196: Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.

Cast
Johnny Depp (Willa Wonka), Freddie Highmore (Charlie Bucket), David Kelly (Grandpa Joe), Jordan Fry (Mike Teavee), Julia Winter (Veruca Salt), AnnaSophia Robb (Violet Beauregarde), Philip Wiegratz (Augustus Gloop), Deep Roy (Oompa-Loompas), Geoffrey Holder (Narrator), and Christopher Lee (Wilbur Wonka) Directed by Tim Burton (#040 - Batman, #107 - Beetlejuice, and #132 - Alice in Wonderland)

Review
Yes I realized the irony of it being a Sunday when updating this review from two years ago. The review is fixed up to make it more sensible and less disjointed. Enjoy, and see the original film first. It's odd that I'm reviewing this on a day like this. You think that at least one network would show a Friday the 13th marathon, but no. 

Anyway, this is the second adaptation of the 1964 novel by Roald Dahl (It's a really good book, you should check it out, BTW). The first was already covered here (#131 - Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory). This version follows the book more closely, but is it better? Well...that's a tough thing to say. The acting by Depp is...what's that word? Creepy, but I digress. The rest of the cast do a decent job and all, but even if they are better actors, it doesn't meant we identify more with them, they just feel so distant, so we don't really care all too much when they leave. The original may not have followed the book much, but it made up for it with charm, while the more faithful movie to the book just feels like a cold stone. Wilder managed to have a good deal of fun and mystery to the role. Depp manages to remind me of Michael Jackson more than a candy developer, though not as good a dancer. The movie may be alright, but it barely holds its own when compared to the original film, though if you want a more faithful adaptation of the book, this is for you. Countdown to 200: 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4...

Overall, I give it 8 out of 10 stars.