French fantasy

A very long time since my last post.


Hugo


A young boy lives in the walls of a Paris railway station, his job is winding the clocks. This is a delightful movie, thought-provoking and very attractive. Despite being French, all the characters speak with totally English accents. Some big players in this one - Ben Kingsley, Frances de la Tour, Christopher Lee, Sacha Baron Cohen. Yes, Borat plays the policeman, closely modelled on the English policeman in 'Allo, 'Allo, the English television comedy series about the French resistance. Fine performances, a few odd silences, perhaps the result of choppy editing, or possibly for effect. Beautiful lighting, great richness. We saw it in 3D and it was well worth seeing it that way. A movie with depth in more ways than one.

Hugo has an automaton he wants to repair. He steals parts from the toyshop, run by Kingsley who plays George Melies, the early French film maker. This movie is about the history of movies, as well as a gentle adventure. Not really a movie for children but a visual feast for adults. One of the best movies I have seen.



The Help


A young journalist in the South interviews coloured maids to get their take on what it is like working for white people. Set in the early 1960's with the civil rights movement growing, this is an edgy subject, beautifully handled. I think white Americans might feel a little bit ashamed and embarrassed watching this. Some brilliant performances. Emma Stone plays the journalist and she is good. I think she has quite a future as an actor. The maids are wonderful. Some oscar nominations there I expect, for Viola Davis and Octavia Spencer. Great clothes and makeup, some nice scenery. Bryce Dallas Howard is wonderful in her role as Two Slice Hilly.

You have to see this movie. It sticks very closely to the book, so read that too.



Sooo... I now have six cats, 3 sets of twins, aged 18 months (Tui and Lotto), 8 months (Harley and Belle) and 3 months (Moxie and Blot). I finally caught the mother (Angie) and got her fixed, she is a little friendlier now, actually jumped in the window today. The babies will probably get fixed this weekend, then we have to find homes. That will be difficult because we love all these cats. Did I tell you that Lotto had the rest of his tail removed and instantly grew bigger, fatter, and generally got healthier and happier.

Compliments of the season to you all.