Happenstance (2000)

Featuring: Audrey Tautou, Faudel. Director: Laurent Firode.

Warning: This movie is only supposed to be available for streaming until Dec. 31st. Act fast!

As some of you may know, I'm completely in love with Audrey Tautou. It leads me to watch movies I would never normally watch just to see those big brown eyes and that enchanting smile. Movies like Happenstance.

Now don't get me wrong, Happenstance isn't by any means a bad movie. It just isn't my kind of movie. This is  one of those movies with intersecting stories about romance that the French seem to be so good at making. That sort of movie must be rather hard make. You bounce around from character to character and nothing ever seems very cohesive. However, this director, Laurent Firode, pieced together enough interesting vignettes to keep me interested even if the overall story wasn't that compelling.

Sadly, that also means you only get so much Audrey Tautou and that was my biggest disappointment with this movie. Yes, the arc of the story centers around her but she wasn't on screen nearly enough for me to be satisfied. Then again, that's just my own strange crush thing and not something you should worry about. If you like movies like this and have already seen Paris, Je T'aime one too many times, then go ahead and give this one a try.

Click here to add this to your Netflix queue.

According to Netflix this movie will stop streaming on 12/31/11. Of course, sometimes they lie.

The Standard 5:

Why is it in your queue? I want to have Audrey Tautou's babies.

Is it artsy? Not really, but its sort of romantic and it is in French.

What stood out the most to you? The creepy guy that is always lying.

What mood should I be in to watch this movie? Wanting to show your girlfriend that you have a sensitive side.

What rating did you give it on Netflix? 3 Stars.

 Sorry, I couldn't find an English version of the trailer.
 

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Priceless (2006)

As I mentioned yesterday I'm completely infatuated with Audrey Tautou. So infatuated in fact, that I watched not only a romantic comedy because she was in it, but a french romantic comedy at that. Wait, not only did I watch a french romantic comedy - I enjoyed a french romantic comedy. Oh the things I would do for those big brown eyes.

Putting aside my own silly crushes, Priceless is about  a gold digger who mistakes a hotel bartender for someone wealthy. Things happen, yada yada yada, I don't want to give any spoilers, and they fall in love. The movie had a number of cute parts and despite not being a fan of romantic comedies at all, there were some parts that really made me chuckle.

If you like romantic comedies, chances are you'll enjoy this one too. If you're a guy who avoids them at all costs (like I normally am), and your lady friend is going to make you watch a romantic comedy, you could do a lot worse than recommending this one. Be proactive, at least you get to watch Audrey Tautou be sexy all movie and even have a few laughs.

Click here to add this movie to your Netflix queue.

The Standard 5:

Why is it in your queue? My unhealthy obsession with Audrey Tautou.

Is it artsy? No, but it is French and has subtitles.

Best thing about the movie? Audrey Tautou looking incredibly sexy.

What mood should I be in to watch this movie? Looking to score points with the girlfriend or looking to punish the boyfriend by making him watch a romantic comedy.

What rating did you give it on Netflix? 3 Stars. 

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A Very Long Engagement (2004)

I think I was about a half hour into this movie before I realized I was completely in love with it. In the interest of objectivity I do need to confess that I am completely in love with Audrey Tautou so that may have something to do with it. She is a brilliant and uniquely beautiful young French actress whom I've been enchanted with since I first laid eyes on her in the movie Dirty Pretty Things. She is ridiculously charming and talented enough to carry a movie as she's done more than a few times.

This film is set just after WWI and Tautou's character is determined to find out what exactly happened to her fiance during the war. During her search she comes across a variety of interesting characters and their stories all intermingle and intersect in ways that always surprise and delight. There was never a dull moment during this movie because it seemed every few minutes something happened that shocked me, moved me, or made me smile. This movie had a great sense of humor, wonderful acting, just enough action and an interesting enough plot to keep me on the edge of my seat throughout. I very highly recommend this movie. Five Stars!

Click here to add this film to your queue.

The Standard 5:

Why is it in your queue? I want to marry Audrey Tautou.

Is it artsy? No, but it is in French, some may think it's artsy for that reason.

Best thing about the movie? All the smiles and surprises.

What mood should I be in to watch this movie? Ready to watch a very good film and willing to read subtitles.

What rating did you give it on Netflix? 5 Stars!

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