"Under the Eiffel Tower"

This film is more of a rom than a rom-com and that's a good thing. The story follows Stuart (Matt Walsh), a middle aged guy who loses his job at a bourbon distillery. He joins friends on a tour of France and eventually falls for a beautiful owner of a vineyard (Judith Godreche). Along the way he teams up with a Scotsman (Aired Scott) who's quite the character. This movie is somewhat formulaic and predictable, but that's okay--sometimes you just need an enjoyable diversion for an hour and a half. The scenery and cinematography are noteworthy. If you looking for a pleasant diversion, this is it.
3.5 out of 5 stars

"Camera Store"

Certainly one of he more unusual movies I've seen. It's about a traditional camera store at a mall, just as digital photography is coming on the scene. Two older gentlemen have worked there for ages. The entire movie takes place on Christmas Eve day and evening and seems like it could have originally been a play. As the story unfolds, we get the back story of Ray, the general manager, and we see why he's such a bitter person. Several other stories are interwoven, and as depressing as it was, I couldn't stop watching it. Sort of like a terrible accident where you just can't look away. The film is obviously dialogue heavy and almost nothing happens. But the writing and acting are superb. Just don't watch it over the holidays!
4 out of 5 stars

"The Journey"

The concise description: "My Dinner With Andre" on wheels. The full description: A captivating film based on true events about the ground-breaking meeting between Rev. Ian Paisley and Martin McGuinness. Timothy Spall plays the scowling, bullheaded Paisley and Colm Meany is his spirited counterpart. The chemistry and interactions between the two are subtle at times, and laugh-out-loud funny at others. The action primarily takes place on their ride out to the airport, where Paisley is to board a plane to Ulster for his 50th wedding anniversary. I wasn't sure what to expect with this film, but I must say, it's one of the most rewarding hour and a half I've spent in front of a screen in a long time.
4.5 out of 5 stars

"4L"

I doubt you've ever witnessed a road trip movie quite like this one! It's about two lifelong buddies who get a letter from one of their old friends who's dying. They decide to take a road trip from Spain to Timbuktu to see him before he dies. They meet up with and invite his estranged daughter to join them on their journey. The three unlikely travel mates travel through the Sahara Desert in an old modified Renault 4L, and the adventures abound. The actors are real characters, the scenery is remarkable, and their escapades are wild. If you enjoy road trip movies and don't mind subtitles, you'll get a bang out of this.
4 out of 5 stars