A lot of people can’t handle films as pointedly whimsical and precious as Micmacs. But to come in and level that criticism at something that doesn’t seem to exist for any reason other than to be whimsical and precious seems a bit unnecessary. And despite the fact that he hasn’t done anything that’s really resonated with me other than Amélie, for my money I like Jean-Pierre Jeunet better than Michel Gondry when it comes to hand crafted, artsy, fairy tale type French films. Micmacs may be slight, and little more than diversion, but it introduces us to a fun bunch of characters, it builds an intricately designed and interesting world, and it develops into a pretty unique heist story to boot. Plus, it’s just downright gorgeous to look at, whether it’s indulgent or not. Throw in a handful of great character actors doing the weird stuff that they do best, and I have to call it a success.
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
Short Round: Micmacs à tire-larigot (2009) ****/*****
A lot of people can’t handle films as pointedly whimsical and precious as Micmacs. But to come in and level that criticism at something that doesn’t seem to exist for any reason other than to be whimsical and precious seems a bit unnecessary. And despite the fact that he hasn’t done anything that’s really resonated with me other than Amélie, for my money I like Jean-Pierre Jeunet better than Michel Gondry when it comes to hand crafted, artsy, fairy tale type French films. Micmacs may be slight, and little more than diversion, but it introduces us to a fun bunch of characters, it builds an intricately designed and interesting world, and it develops into a pretty unique heist story to boot. Plus, it’s just downright gorgeous to look at, whether it’s indulgent or not. Throw in a handful of great character actors doing the weird stuff that they do best, and I have to call it a success.
