Hey there goody goodies, Harry here with Linda Partridge beating her tamborine and shaking them crazy hips and singing the praises of CHOCOLAT. I've read the script to this one... and the script was quite good... Though the whole time I read the script I could see this as fitting into Miramax's jello mold for success... It's heart warming... it has tears.... weighty moments of significant poignancy... I can't wait to see this film, mainly for its cast... but for now... it seems the film has a few kinks in its armor... though count on it being as near perfect as it can be by the time it hits in mid December... Here's Linda...
Harry, I just saw a test screening for the Miramax film "Chocolat" last night. I've never written a review for your site before. But, here it goes. Call me Linda Partridge.
I had the pleasure of attending a test screening of the film "Chocolat". The film was typical Miramax, well acted and nicely directed. It was a little slow in spots, but I think that will tightened up in editing. I don't want to give away too much of the plot so I will stick with the basics of what worked and what didn't. I think this film is a good holiday release and Miramax has positioned it as such.
The Good: The acting was solid all around. I wasn't really sold on Juliette Binoche after "The English Patient", but here she was very good as the mysterious Vianne. I thought she had a lot of fire and spark. Whenever she was on the screen she held my attention. Judi Dench gave her usual great performance. Johnny Depp had basically a glorified cameo, but he did a good Irish brogue and looked very sexy. Carrie-Ann Moss did a decent job and proved she can do more than kick ass "Matrix" style. The rest of the cast delivered as well with Leslie Caron giving a small part real French charm. The film was wonderful to look at with nice locations and beautiful cinematography. As is typical with a Lasse Halstrom film, the picture was wonderful to look at, even when the film was a little weak.
The Not So Good: Nothing in the film was horrible. I only had two real complaints. Toward the end of the film, it begins to drag just a bit. It wasn't bad, but I did find myself not staying in the picture as much as I should have. I think it dragged because there were several plot points that needed to be addressed before the film could end satisfactorily. I hope it gets a little tweaking. But, I couldn't tell you what to get rid of. It's odd that way. By far the worst thing in the film was a completely unnecessary explosion. You will know what I'm talking about when you see the film. It was out of place and manipulative. I think there would be a better way to this scene.
All in all, I was pleased with the film. I liked it a lot and I think that it will do well with the same people who made Halstrom's "Cider House Rules" a success. If you like romance and a little magic, then this is a good film for you.
This was Linda Partridge, don't you dare call me lady!
