C'est Pas Moi, Je Le Jure! (It’s Not Me, I Swear!) DVD Review

C'est Pas Moi, Je Le Jure! (It’s Not Me, I Swear!) - A E1 Films Release

On DVD: May 12th, 2009

http://www.cestpasmoijelejure.com/

Rated G

Running time: 110 minutes.

Philippe Falardeau (dir.)

Philippe Falardeau (writer)

Bruno Hébert (book)

Patrick Watson (music)

Antoine L'Écuyer as Léon Doré

Suzanne Clément as Madeleine Doré

Daniel Brière as Philippe Doré

Catherine Faucher as Léa

Gabriel Maillé as Jérôme Doré

Our reviews below:

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C’est Pas Moi, Je Le Jure! (It’s Not Me, I Swear!) Review By John C.

**1/2 (out of 4) (Pretty Good)

When we first meet 10 year old Leon, he is hanging himself from a tree. His mother gets quite irate and tries to cut down the tree, his older brother Jerome wishes he had a normal brother who didn’t try to kill himself as much. I’m not sure if this makes any sense, but C’est Pas Moi, Je Le Jure! (It’s Not Me, I Swear!), is better than I thought it would be, but not as good as I hoped it would be. First of all, the film is to long by about 20 minutes. With tighter editing, this could have been done in 90, rather 110 minutes. This film is labeled as a “Comedy, Drama”, but don’t mistake this for light and fun popcorn entertainment, it’s actually a bit disturbing. This is the kind of script that requires the main character’s mother, who is just as messed up as her kid, if not more so, to have just ran away to Greece. Because if she hadn’t we wouldn’t feel a grain of sympathy for her kid as he breaks into the neighbors house and trashes it. A lot of the time the kid is just being a brat, but his mother having left, I suppose, is meant to justify his behavior.

I didn’t hate this film, but I certainly did not love it. I was pretty much indifferent to it. I was glad I saw it, but I don’t feel any need to watch it again. Although I must say, there is so much talk about this film, that it’s worth seeing just so you know what everyone's talking about.

The DVD includes the film in French, with fairly easy to read English subtitles. It also includes three featurettes and the films trailer. All special features are in French only.

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C’est Pas Moi, Je Le Jure! (It’s Not Me, I Swear!) Review By Erin V.

**1/2 (out of 4)

C'est Pas Moi, Je Le Jure! - It's Not Me, I Swear!, is an interesting film, but not one that is all that memorable when compared to other independent films out there. The movie opens with the main character, Léon, age 10, trying to hang himself in the front yard. Apart from attempting suicide from time to time throughout the movie, he also vandalizes the neighbour house while they are on vacation. There is no mystery in the film where Léon gets his behaviours from - his mother is just as happy to egg the houses on the street as he is. When his mother leaves for Greece, the separation from his mother devastates him, and his behaviour doesn't get any better. With the girl - who has family problems of her own - across the street, whom he befriends, he makes a plan to run away. Destination? Greece.

The movie has decent acting from it's young cast members, as well as it's older ones. I found many of the plot points kind of annoying to watch, in part due to the fact that the main character is kind of unlikable. Overall, this is an interesting film, that is pretty good if you want to check it out on DVD. It's not one that I would want to watch again and again, but I didn't mind seeing this one once.

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C’est Pas Moi, Je Le Jure! (It’s Not Me, I Swear!) Review By Nicole

**1/2 (out of 4)

N/A

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C’est Pas Moi, Je Le Jure! (It’s Not Me, I Swear!) Review By Maureen

**1/2 (out of 4)

N/A

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C’est Pas Moi, Je Le Jure! (It’s Not Me, I Swear!) Review By Tony

**1/2 (out of 4)

N/A

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Consensus: While it’s far from a bad film, it’s not as memorable, nor as good as it could have been. Worth checking out if you’re interested in film, or just curious to see what everyone’s been talking about. **1/2 (Out of 4)

À L’Ouest de Pluton (West of Pluto) DVD Review

À L’Ouest de Pluton

http://www.alouestdepluton.com/

On DVD: February 24th, 2009

Rated Canada 14A for substance abuse, and coarse language.

Running time: 95 minutes

Henry Bernadet and Myriam Verreault (dir.)

Alexis Drolet as Jérôme

David Bouchard as Pierre-Olivier

Anne-Sophie Tremblay Lamontagne as Kim

Yoann Linteau as Benoît (Paluche)

Sandra Jacques as Émilie Bégin

Micaël Minguy-Bédard as Nicolas

Yann Bernard as Kevin

Marc-Alexandre Paradis as Steve Labbé

Denis Marchand as Gaetan

Caroline Beauséjour as Isa

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À L’Ouest de Pluton (West of Pluto) Review By John C.

*** (out of 4)

West of Pluto follows 24 hours in the lives of twelve teenagers in Quebec. We watch as they talk, get stoned, get drunk and party. A lot of this is very funny and plays out like an artistic, french version of Superbad. We watch as they go through a regular school day. In one of the films most interesting scenes two girls debate whether or not Quebec should separate. I can’t see the film being watched outside of Canada, but if you get a chance, it’s worth seeing. I am not sure what age would watch it, teenagers or adults. I think that both would probably enjoy it. Teenagers will watch it on a more personal level and will easily relate to the characters, adults will probably watch it on a more observative level. The young actors all deliver good and believable performances, not really playing characters, as much as they are playing people. It was slightly confusing because some of the kids looked similar, so it will be interesting to watch the film a second time, now that I am familiar with the characters.

The DVD includes a French language version of the film with optional English subtitles. It also includes a gag reel, a photo gallery, interviews, deleted scenes and more. All special features are in French only.

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À L’Ouest de Pluton (West of Pluto) Review By Erin V.

*** (out of 4)

À L’Ouest de Pluton is an interesting film to watch. It is essentially a day in the life of a dozen 15 and 16 year olds in the suburbs of Québec City. The movie is a mix of humour and drama, and plays out like it is shot as a documentary. All of the characters are believable, and the young actors play them well. Many of the scenes are quite interesting to watch, such as when there is a debate between two girls at school, over whether or not Québec should be separate from the rest of Canada. This debate is interesting, and cool to watch, while there are others in here, that considering that the teenagers having them are stoned, are just plain funny.

I would recommend this film. The subtitles were easy enough to read, and still follow along with the movie. I think that this is a very interesting look at life for many, and it felt like the kind of indie film, that while may not be watched as much outside of Québec, or the rest of Canada for that matter, it is well made, and if you can, check it out.

Also included with the movie, (which is in French with, [optional], English subtitles), out-takes, photo gallery, interviews, deleted scenes, trailers, and much more.

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À L’Ouest de Pluton (West of Pluto) Review By Nicole

*** (out of 4)

N/A

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À L’Ouest de Pluton (West of Pluto) Review By Maureen

*** (out of 4)

N/A

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A L’ouest De Pluton Review By Tony

***1/2 (sur ****)

À l’Ouest de Pluton suit une journée dans la vie d’une dizaine d’adolescents de 15 et 16 ans de la banlieue de Québec (tourné à Charlesbourg). Au début, devant une salle de classe, chaque élève partage sa passion, soit l’astronomie, la musique, la danse, la cuisine, le skateboard, etc. Pendant la journée il ya des conversations entre les personnages sur plusiers sujets, entre des serieux, comme la souveraineté, et des niaiseux, parmi les punk rockers et les “stoners”– et il y a encore plus pendant la nuit. Une fête pour cinq ou six devient un désastre attendu par tout le monde, laissant une maison maganée et un frère ainé en colère incontrollable.

Quelque fois, entre les scènes écolières et domestiques, on voit des préparations et lancement d’un sonde spatiale vers la planète Pluton. Ironiquement, pendant les années de voyage, Pluton a perdu son statut, ne considerée plus qu’une planète “naine”, ni terrestre, comme les premières quatres, ni géante, comme les suivantes. Malgré l’intention des réalisateurs de montrer du symbolisme, peut être du banalité de notre existence dans l’univers, j’ai trouvé ces scènes une distraction.

Cependant, la production et la distribution de ce film étaient excellentes. Comme professeur d’école sécondaire (en retraite), j’ai connu ces gens. J’ai pu me tromper que je regardais un film documentaire plutôt que dramatisé. Il m’a fait rappeler les series DeGrassi, par example, aussi tout à fait canadien, et meilleur que n’importe quoi des é-u ou de la France. Comme déjà écrit, la seule chose que je n’aimais pas tellement était l’obsession avec l’astronomie, ce qui ma fait souvenir de l’orgueil qu’on attenderait dans des films de la France, par example.

Comme anglophone, je m’excuse de mon langage pas toujours idiomatique. Je suis souvent frustré par la difficulté que nous-autres, les produits d’une formation d’immersion française, avons avec la riche langue française canadienne que la plupart de nos professeurs ont refusé de partager. Ça fait que je le trouve presque impossible de tout comprendre sans sous-titres. Malheureusement la plupart des jurons basés sur une religion largement oubliée depuis la révolution tranquille sont mal traduits simplement en anglais avec “le mot f”.

En conclusion, je recommande ce film pour les adolescents, leur parents, professeurs, bien tout le monde. J’espère qu’il prendra place dans les écoles sécondaires à l'affiche du festival Reel Canada de films canadiens, par example.

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Consensus: À L’Ouest de Pluton is an interesting look at what could be the lives of a dozen teenagers in the suburbs of Québec City. It is well made, with good acting, and has an artistic indie feel to it. ***1/2 (Out of 4)

Le Premier Jour Du Reste De Ta Vie (The First Day of The Rest of Your Life) DVD Review

Le Premier Jour Du Reste De Ta Vie (The First Day of The Rest of Your Life)

http://www.lepremierjour-lefilm.com/

On DVD: February 3rd, 2009

Rated Canada 14A

Running time: 114 minutes

Rémi Beznaçon (dir.)

Jacques Gamblin

Zabou Breitman

Déborah François

Marc-André Grondin

Pio Marmaï

Our reviews below:

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Le Premier Jour Du Reste De Ta Vie (The First Day of the Rest of Your Life) Review By John C.

***1/2 (out of 4)

The First Day of the Rest of Your Life takes place over twelve years, chronicling five key days in the life of a five person family. The two sons, Albert and Rapheal, the daughter Fleur, mother Marie-Jeanne and father Robert, make up the Duval family. They are dysfunctional, yet they always watch out for each other and stick together. The story is told in five parts, each one showing an important moment in each person’s life. While the film is a drama, there are also many very funny moments, but I wouldn’t want to give them away.

Sometimes the film doesn’t quite work, but a lot of the time it actually works quite well. Especially in the last act, which is devoted to the father Robert Duval, (who’s name is hilariously pointed out by a doctor as being very close to the name of actor Robert Duvall. Than the doctor goes on to act out Apocalypse Now). The last part of the film is by far my favorite, being emotional and moving, as it deals with life and loss.

The movie is in French, with English subtitles. The DVD doesn’t have any bonus features, save for the film’s original trailer and some trailers for upcoming films.

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Le Premier Jour Du Reste De Ta Vie (The First Day of the Rest of Your Life) Review By Erin V.

***1/2 (out of 4)

Le Premier Jour Du Rest De Ta Vie is a movie that I had never heard of before, and after discovering it, I was not sure what I was going to even think of it. It pleasantly surprised me as being quite good. The English subtitles were easy enough to read, and the dialogue spoken clear enough that I was not lost in the storyline at all.

The story follows a five person family on five key days in their life. It goes through each of their key days, (though not necessarily in order), and with each one, we find out a little bit more about these people. Though some of the artistic techniques were a little weird, I found that the last part of the film in particular was really well done. This is an interesting film that while you may not of heard of it before, it is worth checking out.

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Le Premier Jour Du Reste De Ta Vie (The First Day of the Rest of Your Life) Review By Nicole

***1/2 (out of 4)

Before receiving the DVD of this movie, I had never heard of the film. I am glad I did get to see this film, because it is a nice touching drama that was sadly overlooked. The movie is about the Duval's, a middle class family who are growing up in late 1980’s to 1990’s France. Spanning over 12 years, the story is told by showing what happens on the most important days in each of the family member’s lives. The movie covers such diverse topics such as loss, love, teenage rebellion, coming of age, and forgiveness. What impressed me the most about this film was that, despite the difficulties, the family sticks together, and does not give up.

This movie is in French, with English subtitles. However, the subtitles are easy to read, and the French dialogue is rather clear. There is very little language in the film, and no nudity. The movie was shot in a very artistic and unique way. However, despite the fact that this is a film about a family, this is not a family-friendly film. Some of the content, both crude and/or sexual, is not suitable for children. The DVD has no bonus features, but this movie is so unique and well made, that it definitely should be added to your collection.

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Le Premier Jour Du Reste De Ta Vie (The First Day of the Rest of Your Life) Review By Maureen

???? (out of 4)

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Le Premier Jour Du Reste De Ta Vie (The First Day of the Rest of Your Life) Review By Tony

???? (out of 4)

N/A

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Consensus: This is an interesting movie, with a well put together storyline, and is one that is definitely worth watching. ***1/2 (Out of 4)

Des Nouvelles Du Nord (Northern Greetings) DVD Review

De Nouvelles Du Nord (Northern Greetings)

On DVD: February 3rd, 2009

Rated Canada G language may offend.

Running time: 94 minutes

Un film de Benoit Pilon (dir.)

Our reviews below:

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Des Nouvelles Du Nord (Northern Greetings) Review By John C.

*** (out of 4)

In 1972 a hydroelectric power station was built in James Bay. A town, Radisson, was built to house the thousands of workers. This is their story.

The first ten minutes of Northern Greetings are absolutely brilliant and some of the finest documentary footage I have ever seen. After that, while the film is very interesting, it starts to drag in the middle and gets a little boring. We watch people getting their hair done for a wedding and then we see the wedding. At this point it starts to feel like were watching someone else's home videos. At just under 94 minutes, about 20-25 minutes could and should have been cut. Overall the film is an interesting part of Canadian history.

The documentary is in English, French and Cree with English subtitles. The DVD includes a photo gallery and deleted scenes, which are only in French.

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Des Nouvelles Du Nord (Northern Greetings) Review By Erin V.

*** (out of 4)

Des Nouvelles Du Nord tells the story of the little town of Radisson, which was built temporarily to house the workers building the giant hydroelectric power station dam on James Bay. This is a documentary that is told mainly in French with English subtitles, although there are a few scenes in English with French subtitles, and those that are in Cree, are subtitled for both French, and English speaking viewers.

I especially really liked the opening of this documentary as it told the history of the dam. Some of the scenes in the middle went on too long, or were not completely necessary, so this could have probably been slightly shorter, since it is rather slow moving at times. Since this is a documentary about northern lifestyles, any sensitive viewers should be warned that there is one scene that revolves around hunting. Overall, though, I found that the slow pace matched the village that it was telling about. I really liked the parts where they were speaking to the people in the Cree village. It is interesting to hear their perspectives on things, like nature, and electricity from the dam.

I would recommend this documentary as it is an interesting look into a different way of life. It gives you some perspective, and insight to the massive dam as well. A well made documentary.

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Des Nouvelles Du Nord (Northern Greetings) Review By Maureen

???? (out of 4)

N/A

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Des Nouvelles Du Nord (Northern Greetings) Review By Tony

???? (out of 4)

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Consensus: This is a well made documentary that is interesting to watch though it could have been slightly shorter, as some of the scenes in the middle are kind of unnecessary. *** (Out of 4)