Charming Movie

Rating: 7/10 (27 January 2012)

Really worth seven and a half, but it is a very simple, charming film with an excellent performance from Jean Dujardin and his dog. Yes, it's not quite a silent movie - some other comments will highlight the shortcomings, but would today's audiences accept the mugging all the way through and the more crudely cut scenes and still camera-work. But at least the characters were alive - unlike Gary Oldman's impression of the Walking Dead in 'Tinker,Tailor etc.!' The storyline of the old silent star falling from fame, while the chorus girl (who secretly loves him) climbs to the top, is fairly trite and straightforward, but told with brio and pathos - and, more importantly, with sincerity and entertainment in mind! It is far more acceptable than Spielberg's heart tugging, hankie wiping, part failure with 'War Horse.' The direction is mostly good, especially in recreating the more humdrum, middle brow, actioners of the silent era, while the 'spot the original stars' shown is quite fun, even if there is no time to work out the anagrams of actors' names on the billboards! I must say the redemption of the hero is a little trite - I thought it would come through being the trainer of his dog as a sort of Rin Tin Tin/Lassie after being rescued, but there you go! All round just go and treat yourself to some entertainment - leave your preconceptions of a twelve hour silent epic 'Greed' at the door!