EIFF: Monsters University

Having so recently left the student domain, we here at Tantrum have an affinity for the student population. Not that we want to go back, you understand – but watching others go through the same rites of passage we did is a kind of divine retribution.

That being said, we don’t remember having half as much fun as it looks like they do at Monsters University. This is definitely a movie catering primarily to those fans who were children at the time Monsters Inc. was released – or at least, it will mean most to that particular demographic.

Assimilating popular American college stereotypes into a movie about animated monsters was always going to have its difficulties, but the subject matter is handled with aplomb. Prequels are also notoriously tricky, but the developing friendship between Mike and Sully is done deftly enough for it to become believable.

Okay, the movie isn’t groundbreaking in the way its predecessor was, and the opening sequence relies heavily on both prior affection for Mike and the nostalgia of the scare floor of Monsters Inc. This doesn’t make it bad – far from it. It’s an easy introduction, grounding the characters in the new environment of the university.

The stand out character for us in the film has to be Dean Hardscrabble, voiced by the perfectly chilling Helen Mirren. Just listening to the sound effects as she moves around the classroom was enough to give us the shivers, even if we hadn’t all remembered having a teacher just like her in our school careers. As with all kids movies, there is no such thing as an irredeemable villain – but you’re going to have to wait to find out just what redemption is offered.

Message wise, Monsters University does bring something new. The idea that university isn’t the only way to succeed in life and that hard work does pay off is incredibly important – as is the very clear statement that we can’t all be brilliant at everything. As they say in A Very Potter Musical, okay isn’t just good, okay is wonderful – and we feel that kids and adults alike could do with being reminded of that fact.

In short, if you liked Monsters Inc., you'll like this. Another example of how Pixar's animation is some of the best around, with familiar characters and a lesson actually worth listening to - just don't expect it to revolutionise your life. As the film itself says - average is worthwhile.  

EIFF: Paris Countdown (Le Jour Attendra)

Traditionally, Parisian cinema falls easily into one of two categories. You have the quirky, off the path films that warm your heart, and those that are incomprehensible, falling over themselves trying to be cool. Luckily, Parisian Countdown (or Le Jour attendra) falls into neither of these.

The film follows old friend Milan (Olivier Marchal) and Victor (Jaques Gamblin) as they try to navigate their way through a world they supposedly left behind years ago, after betraying a vengeful psychopath. Reunited once more, they’re left to near desperate damage control as events spiral beyond their control, and the question becomes simply how long can their fractured friendship take the strain?

The plot of the movie might sound familiar, but we had a pleasant surprise in store. This isn’t your run of the mill mid-life crisis film – these are men who are now cut adrift in the world that brought them everything they have now. Add to that a soundtrack that should have mass appeal, an impressively authentic feeling club scene, and a final scene sharp enough to lift the film above the rest of its genre.

The performances from the two lead actors are outstanding, bringing to life the dry humour which characterises the film. The chemistry between Marchal and Gamblin is enough to convince the audience that they are in fact long time friends, with the characteristic backbiting and familiarity that’s born from any kind of long term relationship. Our favourite one liner (of which there were many) had to be the wonderful “Japanese culture is too subtle for you.”

The film is subtitled, performed in the original French, and it’s all the better for it. We believe that there are some subtleties of language that English can’t quite capture, and let’s face it – insults always sound far better in French.

The setting is of course the city of love itself, and we’re struggling to think of a time the streets and the Seine were put to better use. Never overshadowing the performances of the actors, the picturesque scenery was the perfect foil to the gritty feel of the story.

Brutal at points, touching at others, and never failing to entertain, Paris Countdown uses the city as an effective backdrop to what is essentially a story of the hold old ties have over us all.