Celluloid's Cannes Coverage: Day 3

Another Year- Those who are familiar with Mike Leigh's Happy-Go-Lucky two years ago, or Vera Drake four years before that, will know how much the director brings to the table each time he makes a film. His newest films has been garnering quite a bit of critical praise over the past 24 hours. Now the official Guy I go to for opinions on films coming out of Cannes, Guy Lodge of In Contention said "Detractors and admirers alike will probably label Leigh’s latest a return to normal service for the prickly Brit: a leisurely character study, sober-sided but flecked with streaks of broad humor, dwelling on the personal insecurities of London’s tea-swilling middle classes."

It's very hard to find a pestimist critic for this pestimistic film. Currently Kirk Honeycutt from The Hollywood Reporter stands as the only one, but only just. Honeycutt praised the film's cast, and direction, but noted "There's no doubting Leigh's sympathy for the lonely and unhappy characters depicted in the film, but while he and his talented cast do their best to suggest they are worthy of attention, it's not easy to see especially why. Divided into the four seasons, the year depicted includes a birth, a funeral and expectations of a wedding, but the title itself makes no promise of excitement." Hopefully his opinion continues to be the minority.

You Will Meet a Tall Dark Stranger- Get passed the awful title and what do you get? A still altogether not that great movie from the man who brought us Annie Hall. Reaching much less acclaim than Mike Leigh's new film, Woody Allen's latest ranks among his more lackluster affairs like Whatever Works. Michael Phillips of Chicago Tribune laments that "I wish I liked the new Woody Allen film better, especially in light of his previous Cannes-launched picture Vicky Cristina Barcelona (his most satisfying in years). This one's a doodle.. a picture less seriocomic or bittersweet than simply uncertain of its comic and dramatic effects."

Some still give the film praise for its possitive qualities. Jason Solomons from The Observer is one of them, stating "Even Allen's most dedicated fans have had their faith in the 74-year-old New Yorter's powers sorely tested by some of his late-period output, but the new ensemble comedy, starring Naomi Watts, Anthony Hopkins, Josh Brolin and Lucy Punch, is his most assured and sprightly work for many years." Though it may get some people willing to stick their neck out for it, don't expect anything special for the film come awards season.