Microbe et Gasoil

Microbe and gasoline is a comedy about two teens from Versailles who decide to run away in a car they built disguised as a house. The dialogue and events can be pretty funny at times but in some other scenes it just drags on and can be a little boring. It feels like it just doesn't go anywhere until it's about 40% done. But what gives it it's feel is how it embodies the adventures kids would dream of going on, running away and doing whatever you want. But the biggest driving force of the movie is the 2 main characters and their interactions. Daniel is a lonely do-nothing wimp, until he meets Theo, a new student who is like the driving force of the duo, a confident, idea filled, wise cracker. Both characters are somewhat untouched by reality, and don't seem to realize how the world works, which only adds to their charm. Though the story is sometimes slow and boring, the characters are what most make this film worth watching.

Just watched M&B and was looking forward to, having read the synopsis.

For me it was ok and no more.

Youth discovering life had some interesting and funny moments. My advanced age may have had some struggle with certain revelation. (or was it denial and memory fading?) As an ex Frenchman I tried to link with those days for me, but it did not really work.

Perhaps I was wanting a little more about their creation... I have to confess that I have never heard of Gondry and somehow feel I may not have missed much about it. Yes I said "May" simply to try to be fair.

As for T Audrey... just a pinch of salt added to an ordinary 'repas" It made me think a little of the Australian film "Malcom" for which I seem to remember I derived more enjoyment.

Just the same I'm glad to see some did enjoy it very much.

Microbe & Gasoline (French: Microbe et Gasoil) (2015) Director: Michel Gondry Watched: April 2018 6/10

{Clue: The very best part of this film}

Here we are with another Gondry,

Outstanding performances from the two young protagonists: Daniel named for his effeminacy and Theo named for his mechanical tendencies,

Unexpectedly funny scenes like the lonely dentist and wife that try to keep them, Theo's art gallery theatrics, and Daniel trying to get a haircut at a whorehouse,

Straightforward film for Gondry- not nearly as extravagant nor surreal as most of his others,

Except for the contraption that gets them around- charming with its recycled parts like a headboard and dryer door, complete with rear and side view mirrors and some geraniums.

Coming-of-age/romantic comedy/road trip film,

A tribute to unabashedly being you: "Let's face it. We're not exactly normal: you the hopeless romantic and me the grease monkey,"

Really fun despite slow parts, but ending lacks closure or meaning.

Acrostic is a form of poetry where the first letters in each line, paragraph, or word are doubly used to spell a name, phrase, or word. The word "acrostic" comes from the Greek words "akros" (outermost) and "stichos" (line of verse). Read the appropriate letters in the poem vertically to reveal the extra message, called the "acrostich"! #Acrostic #PoemReview #Gondry #RoadTrip

This movie feels a lot like Gondry channels his youth here. He may not have experienced everything that is depicted here and maybe only dreamed of certain things, but it really feels like a kids movie. Well apart from an adult drawing (a naked woman, genitals and all) that is. And while some may feel that it was unnecessary to put this in (no pun intended) the movie is also about sexuality and what "little boys" feel and their incapability to express certain things.

There's also a self pleasuring scene, so before you go ahead and show this to your kids and then blame IMDb, me or someone else because of the stuff this has and your moral standards being different than the ones Gondry and the producers have, think twice. Just a fair warning. But if you embark on this ride, it will be a pleasure (again no pun intended). It may not be his best movie, but it could be one of his most personal ones ...

Microbe is the nickname for Daniel as he is the smallest in his class. A thinker and a bit of an artist he doesn't really fit in all that well with the other kids. Then one day a new boy starts school. This is Theo and he has to help his father in his shop, so turns up at school smelling of petrol – and thereby gets the nickname 'Gasoline'. They know they are unappreciated in a sea of mediocrity with their fellow class mates but can not think what to do about it.

However Theo is also a bit of a mechanic and they hit upon the great – if unoriginal idea – to run away; or rather drive away from home. What follows is a very entertaining and engaging road trip of a movie but with an awful lot of differences and some great performances too.

This is well made and does have some laugh out loud moments but it is not a rip roarin comedy extravaganza. That said I really enjoyed it – director Michel Gondry manages to capture that fleeting innocence and anomie that causes kids to bond with each other – recommended to fans of European cinema and those who just like a feel good film.