A Good Year

Hey! Russell Crowe fans! I'll bet you caught this one when it was in the multiplex. I missed it, but am making up for it now...

In this 2006 outing, Russell Crowe ("Cinderella Man" and "The Insider") teams up once again with Producer Ridley Scott ("American Gangster" and "Gladiator") to coast through this light-weight frolic. Crowe plays Max, a ruthless London businessman who inherits a vineyard from his uncle Henry, played by Albert Finney ("Erin Brockovich" and "Amazing Grace"). Uncle Henry had provided many a summer respite for young Max, played by Freddie Highmore ("August Rush" and "Finding Neverland") during his chaotic childhood. Despite the affection he held for his uncle, Max hasn't been in touch with Henry for the past ten years. He contacts his real estate agent Charlie, played by Tom Hollander ("Elizabeth, The Golden Years" and "Pride and Prejudice" - 2005) because he intends to sell the property immediately.

He goes to France to check on its condition and things start to unravel...

There were a number of clever and diverting things that happen to him: A hitherto unknown relative shows up claiming to be Henry's daughter. In addition, a fetching waitress in a nearby village catches his eye because she clearly dislikes him on sight. (He had run her bicycle off the road while retrieving his cell phone from the floor of the car, and drove on blithely unaware of his blunder.) I enjoyed seeing Max scooting around in his rental "Smart Car," invariably starting off in the wrong direction, only to wheel around and zip off in another. I liked the Jack Russell terrier that did NOT like Max and showed no compunction in demonstrating his hostility. I enjoyed the tennis game and the swimming pool. Gemma, his lovely and efficient personal assistant in London, was played by Archie Panjabi. Don't be mislead by the name, she was actually born in England.

The fetching waitress is played by Marion Cotillard ("La Vie en Rose" and "Big Fish") who will shock you with how tall she actually is (she was minuscule as Edith Piaf!) and what a winning smile she has. We will hear lots more from this one, mark my words...

This is a relaxing way to spend a couple of hours. With Russell Crowe in the lead and Ridley Scott at the helm, you know you are in good hands... and the French countryside is photogenic, too.