My Summer in Provence

OK, so I am a bit sentimental and get teared-up easily on nostalgia. But if you're willing to leave your cynic self behind and go along with the too-good-to-be-true sequences, you'll thoroughly enjoy this story of modern France mixed with beautiful, traditional Provence.

True, the teenager actors are a bit cartoonish, but not totally unbelievable. The "grandparents" are thoroughly enjoyable, both Jean Reno and Anna Galiena, if you are willing to overlook that she is probably too young and beautiful for her character.

If you would like an uncomplicated "comfort flick" after a stressful day or tiring week, this it the film for you or for the whole family. There's something to like for everyone.

This story is like any other family comedy drama. Coming of age for a young woman and lustful typing man learning boundaries with themselves, the little kid who provides innocence to soften the stubborn hearts, linking the family together. The movie is fast paced with the editing, and can seem awkward in certain moments. Jean Reno is always a delight with this roles. The atmosphere, peaceful farming, and community culture shows how humble life style in nature/the out doors is essential and refreshing for life.

If, like me, you appreciate Jean Reno, then you'll certainly get some pleasure from watching Avis de Mistral. The man is as good as ever, playing a confused and at times grumpy grandfather with emotion and subtlety. If you're not familiar with her, you'll discover the equally superb Anna Galiena, who also has a beautiful filmography that I strongly recommend.

The teenagers' act doesn't feel natural much, specially the older brother's, but that won't hurt your ears if you're not a French speaker. The mute little brother is quite adorable. The old singer Hugues Aufrey has a small part, but should have stuck to singing in French.

Story-wise, it's an archetypal French comedy. Nothing great, nothing terrible, despite some events not making any sense. The kids are Parisians unwillingly spending time in the sunny countryside, which is a perfect source of clichés. The village in Provence and its inhabitants get the postcard treatment, complete with beautiful scenes of traditional non-violent tauromachy, horse-riding in the swamps of Camargue, and Gypsy street performances.

Recommended as a brochure for a holiday's destination. For all ages.

I am giving it 3 only for the beautiful summer scenes of the south France. And maybe for the cute little actor who did not say a word, but won my heart. Everything else, including performances are really awful. Even Jean Reno, the French star, was bad in this movie. Teen actors were seriously overdoing it. This movie is loaded with stereotypes and unbelievable characters; the "reunion" part was especially awful, pretentious and clichéd. Unsuccessful attempt to bridge the generation gap. I have nothing else to say about this movie to meet 10 lines requirement, therefore I will say that I feel cheated, since I got used to really liking French cinematography.

Country? Or at least a more relaxed and "silent" couple of weeks. It's the fish out of water on a dinosaur thing. Reno being the dinosaur in that case. It's really refreshing and funny to watch how this situation plays out. There is not really need to go further into the story other than to say, that both worlds collide in this and it is played out as straight as possible.

Which makes this kind of funnier. Reno who has been stated that he is fed up playing the silent one, has some scenes where he gets to explore the explosive side of his character. The movie is also helped by a lot of side characters (one who sells ice cream and might leave a strange note for some, but just adds to the movie trying to explore different grounds and things).