CHOCOLAT (Theatrical Release USA 2001)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.7|5.0 Starsìììì

Chocolat—high entertainment value—demands its kudos for good acting and storyline. Alfred Molina is made up so well that he is nearly unrecognizable until the credit roll. He plays Doc Ock in Spider-Man 2 and does a terrific job as the Comte de Reynaud in this film. Judi Dench plays a superlative Armande Voizin. She first caught many viewers eyes in GoldenEye with Pierce Brosnan and has been a favorite ever since. Peter Stormare from The Last Stand with Arnold Schwarzenegger also performs outstandingly in this film. It seems Johnny Depp could never have a viable part in this kind of film. He is admired for his contributions to Pirates of the Caribbean: Deadman Chest, Edward Scissorhands, Alice in Wonderland, and Alice Through the Looking Glass. But, now he must be acclaimed for his role as the love interest, Roux, in Chocolat.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Vianne Rocher (Juliette Binoche) opens a chocolate shop in a small, traditional French, Catholic village. Her friendliness and natural love for people builds a steady business clientele and establishes healthier relationships within families while helping troubled individuals break free from impossible circumstances.

Additional Thanks

Thank You to Director Lasse Halström for directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producers Alan C. Blomquist, Maeryl Poster, Bob Weinstein, and Harvey Weinstein for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Comte de Reynaud (Alfred Molina), Caroline Clairmont (Carrie Anne Moss), Luc Clairmont (Aurelien Parent Koenig), Jean-Marc Drou (Antonio Gil), Francoise ‘Fuffi’ Drou (Hélène Cardona), Dedou Drou (Harrison Pratt), Didi Drou (Gaelan Connell), Yvette Marceau (Élisabeth Commelin), Alphonse Marceau (Ron Cook), and Baptiste Marceau (Guillaume Tardieu).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. It’s got classic potential.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers