My summation continues . . .

Small Crime (Μικρό Έγκλημα)

A comedic whodunnit set in Cyprus, I found this quite enjoyable. The leading man (Άρης Σερβετάλης-Aris Servetalis), though somewhat hapless, was quite charming, and I was rooting for him from the start. Someone dies in the tiny village, and the 2nd in command of a police force of two sets out to solve the mystery. Well put together with plenty enjoyable characters.

Against the Current

Super-small budget film about a widower (Joseph Fiennes) who decides to commemorate the five-year anniversary of the death of his wife and child by swimming down the Hudson River into the Atlantic Ocean. His best friend, played by Justin Kirk (“Weeds”, Puccini for Beginners), has promised to accompany him on this journey, and a casual acquaintence, Elizabeth Reaser, has joined as well (what’s a movie without sexual tension?). There are some road movie elements as they make their way down river—encounters with the locals, Reaser’s crazy mom played by Mary Tyler Moore . . . While Fiennes’ character really gives no compelling reason why he should die, he never really gives one why he should live. I think this film is a good conversation piece, but I’m not really sure if I liked it.

Final Arrangements (Bouquet Final)

A fun French film about a child of bohemians who resorts to getting a “real job” at a funeral home when his artistic dreams fail to pay the rent. Funny and slapsticky with a good amount sappiness mixed in. I’m not sure how close to reality the funereal scenes are, but several were definitely cringe-worthy. (Having family in the biz, I probably am a little more critical, maybe.)

Swimsuit Issue (Allt Flyter)

Two Swedish films in a row! One last year, and one this year! Who knew they had so many? (I kid. I’ve actually seen at least two more in the interim. ha ha)

This was a cute film about a dad who, in an attempt to be sporting with his buddies, also ends up bonding with his daughter. Through a series of events, the men find themselves members of an all-male synchronized swimming team with the goal of winning the World Cup. There are the typical conflicts that could be expected when one gender takes a role that has traditionally belonged to the other, and they are presented in a very funny way. An audience favorite, it is replaying at SIFF Cinema on 21 June at 6pm.  www.siff.net for tickets

Beauties at War (La Guerre Des Miss)

Entertaining, but a bit too predictable.