Grande ourse: La clé des possibles

Grande Ourse, the TV show was absolutely terrific. Grande Ourse, the film is a reasonably clever and entertaining follow-up, but it doesn't fly as high as it's predecessor.

For starters, one can't deny the film works better for a follower of the show and at least one scene won't make any sense for someone who haven't seen the series. Visually, the film is impressive: camera-work and production design are pristine. After a powerful start, the story unfolds in a lively manner, but some plot points are illogical and the grande finale doesn't really deliver the emotional punch one might expect.

Veterans from the TV show, Marc Messier and Normand Daneau are both at the top of their games. Fanny Mallette is equally strong, but her character is not featured as prominently as in the TV show. Among the newcomers, Marie Tifo and Monique Mercure, two grandes dames of the Québécois scene, are not given much to do and that's a bit of a disappointment. Maude Guérin is witty and energetic while Gabrielle Lazure plays her part with conviction. But the best of the new players is Frédéric Gilles who gives an understated yet superb performance.