Perfectly Normal

Oh, so you want to see a *Canadian* film. Say, something set in a beer factory, and maybe in a hockey rink too. And something about "tiny, fizzy" little dreams, all going unfulfilled. And maybe add an American character who has big, bold, huge dreams, and imposes them on the main character. The only Canadian content that could possibly be added would be a cameo by Paul Henderson.

Also, you can see the Sam's on Yonge street in Toronto in one of the shots. Does it get any better than this?

No, it doesn't. This film rivals Hard Core Logo for Canadian content. So, like, see it. It's cool, eh?

You want conventional? Forget it! This film is for those who love a delightfully skewed view on life, in this case the so-called life of one Renzo Parachi. After the death of his mother, into his life comes a whirlwind of a well-meaning shyster in the form of Alonzo Turner (aka Robbie Coltrane), at once turning his life upside-down while simultaneously bringing out the inner opera-loving Renzo. This film ranks as one of my favourite films because of its delightfully skewed world that at the same time holds true to itself. Renzo can never be considered an everyman but, if we're honest, we can maybe hear an echo from somewhere within.

Well acted, well written, well shot and edited. If you're looking for formula comedy, you'd better off with some other film. Otherwise, sit back and enjoy the ride.

Yves Simoneau uses the stereotypes of Canada, the beer factory, the hockey rink, the snow-covered wilderness, as his setting to examine its relationship with its bombastic neighbor to the south. But instead of a heavy geopolitical study it's actually a hoot. He throws in opera and cross-dressing for fun, and Robbie Coltrane gives a fabulous performance that almost steals the show. Yet the entire cast hits their notes well, with the smaller parts especially shining. Beautifully shot, it's a gem of a film.

This wonderful comedy deserves to be widely viewed; very funny, and one of the few films ever to film hockey the way those who love it really experience it. Few films have ever better represented upper Canadian humour. Riley and Coltrane have a wonderful chemistry, and the one-liners are side-splitting. Kenneth Walsh as the putatively dying coach is classic. Contrary to the LES BOYS films, this movie actually captures the look and feel of beer-league hockey. It also deals very funnily with the stress of working on the line (in this case at a beer-bottling plant), of the difficulty of dealing with assembly line production that just keeps on coming. I would recommend this film to anyone!

TB

If you're looking for a fun movie that will make you laugh, this is it.

Michael Riley gives a great performance as an ordinary guy who works at two hum-drum jobs and lives a pretty boring life. Robbie Coltrane comes into his life and changes it for the creative better. As always, Coltrane is over-the-top with his portrayal of a failed, but always hopeful restauranteur. The dialogue is witty especially from Kristina Nichol, who has a minor, but standout role. Eugene Lipinski, who also wrote the original story and co-wrote the screenplay, gives a hilarious performance as the jealous, slightly-psycho 'Hopeless.' Kenneth Welsh is equally funny as the obsessed-to-win hockey coach and boss.

The list of memorable performances goes on. The cinematography involves unique camera shots that are creative beyond what I've ever seen.

Definitely, a must see. I give it a 10 and a spot on my favorite movies of all time list.