Crafted to Please the Masses -- Failed to Steal My Heart

Rating: 6/10 (28 February 2012)

The Artist was not nearly as bad or "boring" as certain IMDb viewers have reported, with their paltry 1-star ratings. Having said that, this movie leaned too heavily on the easy tricks that convince an audience to swoon. Bound up in its reliance on romanticism, the core plot was traditional and safe. And the adorable mutt (Uggie) who always seems to save the day (with his cuteness) helped to boost the likability factor.
What can I say? It's the feel good movie of the year. But this does not a great film make. The Academy members recently elevated it to their top Oscar choice. Their vote was unsurprising, but disappointing.
Regarding the charming actor Dujardin, whose eyebrows do little dances all their own, I would like to see more of him--in another context. The natural grace and talent of Bejo were lovely, but she and Dujardin did more than their fair share of hamming it up for the camera.
Whenever actors try too hard to please the audience, a part of me shrivels up inside. But the actors cannot bear total responsibility for this. It's the producers and the director who issued this shallow interpretation. At times, it felt like some vaudevillian beast had taken over the stage, and the vibe was trying too "vamn" hard.
Don't get me wrong. The film was pleasant enough. I suppose I'm glad it inspired many people. But, I was not so easily convinced. After witnessing the likes of Master Chaplin, I'm afraid that many others will pale in comparison.