Frank Khi Dou

A lot of Jean Gabin films are coming out on DVD these days. The actor certainly made some of the greatest french films of all time (La grande illusion, La bête humaine, Touchez pas au grisbi, Quai des brumes, etc.) but this film is one of his very worst. The most annoying thing here is how often the three main characters shout at each other. Not only are their dialogs not really that funny but all three actors have to say their lines with a thick countryman accent that makes them even uglier to listen to. Jean Gabin was a very faithful actor when it came to working with certain directors but obviously Gilles Grangier was no Jean Renoir and, as for most of Gabin and Grangier collaborations, you can surely skip this turkey!

Sometimes you just don't feel like watching a masterpiece. If you want some gentle entertainment full of exotic locations and simple human emotions,this is your candy. Let's be frank; it's a guilty pleasure of immense reward as "Le roman De Georgette" will surely be forgotten as quickly as you can read this review. The story involves a woman of modest dispositions who falls for a narcissistic pianist in the beautiful surroundings of Maurice Island. The casting is uneven, especially with the male actors, but the plot's silliness sort of makes up for the average acting. All in all, it's fairly cute and sometimes even moving but beware: this movie will be appreciated at his fullest if one leaves her/his working brains in the basement!

This is by no way a masterpiece. Nor is it a smelling turkey. Granny Boom is actually a nice little film that depicts the life of a fifty something woman (Fanny Cottençon) going through some difficult times. She looses her job, finds out her husband is cheating on her and has to take care of her old mother and of her three grandchildren. Don't worry, though, she will survive! The best part of the film is the acting. Cottençon is very good in a role where a certain sensibility is needed. The film is treated as a comedy but there is enough questions raised to make this viewing a little more than a pop corn t.v. movie... but don't call for a pizza, especially a mighty meaty one!