Cheech

Interesting little french-Canadian movie with many layers to the story and strong scenes interspersed in this otherwise slightly common tale of 'low-lives' mixed in the prostitution world.

A lost book of women is the mystery of the story, but it is more about loss of innocence and loss of identity. The characters are complex and have many more thoughts and emotions underneath what they are showing which allows for much interpretation and appreciation of human complexity and inconsistency.

Sometimes funny or sad, it is ultimately revealing, including a great surprise ending. Pick it up for an interesting dark thriller that will leave you thinking like it did me (still a couple weeks after I saw it). It resonates with our dreams and failures.

Patrice Robitaille ia clearly and favorite actor of the modern-era Quebec cinema and he's once again really good in this one. He's also well supported by the rest of the cast in this dark, but also often funny, crime movie.

A movie I saw in a theater when it was just out. I did not know most of the actors. Patrice Robitaille and François Létourneaux were just getting famous for their work with the tv show " les invincibles " at the time . It is somewhat of an art film , some of the basics are not fully explained so the spectator has to guess most of the time. I would recommend just for the great performance of Fanny Mallette.

This movie's premise about a prostitution agency that is trying to making it big but is foreshadowed by a bigger and better agency run by the infamous Cheech seems completely ridiculous. Yet, the writing, acting and directing makes sure that you treat this as very serious (save maybe the hilarious slogan) and matter-of-fact. This is indeed, just a business like any other.

Beyond the sex-for-money enterprise, there is a lot depth in terms of story and character motivation and development. There is some great scenes that have something to say visually, narratively or with good dialogues and that surpass ordinary, run-of-the-mil cinema with imagination, guts and execution.

A recurring theme is the depression that most character feel and the different ways they try to go about curing themselves and finding value in their lives.

A glimpse into the psyche of individuals who are at their will and wits end, but that try to continue to go on in spite of it all, in hope of some kind of redemption or deliverance. A great ending that ties everything up with a bonus twist. A good thinker's film wrapped into a hip, hyper setting. A few moments do not hit the mark as planned, but this little film sure works well as a whole and shines and surprises at many occasions.

Don't let the trailer fool you: Cheech is not about cardboard characters running in and out of closets. It's about six people, some more depressed than others, living through the worst day of their lives. They will make bad decisions along the way that will make things even worse. -The script is very clever, with great twists and turns. The characters are well defined, with enough dirty secrets to keep you guessing till the very end. -The acting is superb! Patrice Robitaille is, as always, mesmerizing. Anick Lemay is also very good at shredding away her "good girl" image. But the real revelation is Maxime Dénommée who does wonders with his wild eye, innocent guy, way over his head... -Patrice Sauvé signs a very good movie, with slick direction, and high visual flair. -Let's not forget the music, which seems to be underestimated a lot in this case. Normand Corbeil's score is very evocative, and conveys a feeling of oppression that suits the visuals very well. A very good movie, but not the comedy the trailer makes you think it is.