Continuing the rundown of 2011's best films, my #18 movie is an unassuming import and my #17 picture is a globe-trotting adventure.
(Here is the link to my #20 and #19 films)
18. "Queen to Play" - In writer/director Caroline Bottaro's charming French import, she tells the story of a late-30/early-40-something housekeeper, Helene (Sandrine Bonnaire), who tries to break from her daily routines to pursue a passion and accomplish something extraordinary.
As we quickly learn about Helene, her life may be fine, but something is missing.
She believes she has more to offer the world than ensuring hotel rooms have clean sheets and extra towels.
One early morning, she observes a couple playing chess like a loving act of foreplay, and so she decides this classic game might be an emotional jolt to spice up her life.
Chess? Sure, why not?
But when her husband doesn't respond in the way she hopes, she turns to an eccentric widower, Dr. Kroger (Kevin Kline), to play chess with her every Tuesday.
With this new weekly routine, Bottaro provides a environment for Helene to grow and a forum to break her invisible chains which hold her down.
In this symbiotic, but loving, friendship, Kline and Bonnaire should be commended for the subtle cues that show something else brewing beneath the surface.
At a minimum, it's a mutual respect and admiration for each other that finds its way on screen with a glance, a smile or a thoughtful look.
When Kroger asks, "Why is this so important for you?"
"I don't know," Helene responds.
Perhaps passion can't be easily explained.
17. "Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol" - A spectacular feast for the senses, this latest Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise) globe-trotting adventure includes stops in Moscow and Dubai (and a couple others) while absolutely delivering wild thrills and chills, and leaves you shaking your head in disbelief and amazement.
Jeremy Renner, Paula Patton and Simon Pegg join Cruise to form a rogue team whose mission - “if they choose to accept it” - is to prevent world destruction.
All the actors show off great chemistry and seem to enjoy this “James Bondesque” adventure as much as we do.
Each one offers their signature moments, but this is Cruise’s picture.
He’s the star, but Cruise also gives enough room for his costars to work, as they all breathe life into a series which is now hitting its peak.
Director Brad Bird offers an over-the-top and dazzling action picture which ranks right up there with some of the best 007 films.
My only real quibble with the movie is the chief villain, played by Michael Nyqvist from "The Dragon Tattoo" pictures, doesn’t receive enough dastardly screen time.
But that’s it.
Otherwise, fasten your seat belts and enjoy the ride.
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