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3615 code Père Noël (1989)
Great film that's yet to get a DVD release!
Looked everywhere for this film before finding it on YouTube. No sub-titles, and my french is rusty (Maritime Canadian french, at that), but it's not very dialogue heavy. I also found a Spanish dub on YouTube, since the video cut off before the very, very end. There was only 30 seconds left and then the credits, accompanied by "Christmas" by Bonnie Tyler. (Best known for "Total Eclipse of the Heart" and apparently very popular in France.)
The hair, fashion and technology seen in the film is quite dated, the last of which is most notable since it is a key element to the character of "Thomas". The miniatures used for the mansion were lacking, and some of the set pieces were a little weak or odd. But the direction and cinematography was very good, as were the performances by the boy, grandfather and "Santa". In fact, I don't recall a middling performance by anyone in the film.
This is a good example of a film that would be perfect for a remake due to the dated look and weak set pieces. The most difficult thing to replicate, however, would be how believable the characters acting and dialogue is, even in such an unlikely scenario. Despite trying to be as gung-ho as his movie idol "John Rambo" while trying to protect "Papi" and himself, the film gives us a wonderful look at how truly afraid he really is. Which makes him all the more brave as he stays proactive throughout the ordeal.
The only thing I'm really disappointed about, aside from the fact that this film has never been given a DVD release, is that that the IMDb cast list in incomplete. As listed in the end credits, the dog (listed as "J.R." I believe) was played by Canaillou. Oh! And this film, despite being more of a thriller and some characters actually meeting their end, is actually much less violent than HOME ALONE.
Anyhoo...
Avalanche Sharks (2014)
Very fun, tongue-in-cheek, low-budget but competent production!
Seeing this film with only 2 stars on IMDb made me sad. Sure, this isn't a film that most will mention in the same breath as most big-budget wide-releases, but this film was, unlike too many of those films, truly enjoyable from beginning to end! The film-makers and actors knew their limitations - technical and personal - and with tongues planted firmly in cheek, gave viewers a more than competent production that kept my attention at the way through and left me more that satisfied when over.
The script, direction and acting were decent all-around, and I can't recall any specific scene in the film that suddenly took me out of the story. Nothing seemed forced and nobody seemed to be trying to go above their means.
While the CGI special-effects are what they are - CGI - the film-makers smartly decided to limit its use, with the effects either ending abruptly or the scenes cutting away quickly. Most of these scenes are shark attacks after all, which would naturally be quick and abrupt.
Some people have problems with films not explaining enough about certain things. In this case, viewers are given two possibilities as to the origins of the titular sharks. But, do we really need everything to be explained to us (especially in a movie like this) to enjoy a film? Questions can lead to debate after all and, in my opinion, can add extra layers to a film. And this is a film that most would not expect to have much substance to begin with. (The last big-budget film I saw at the cinema left me with nothing to think about when it was over. Duh...)
I really liked how they framed the beginning and end of the film. Original, funny, and a nice change of pace from most films. This production truly impressed me, and I look forward to what all the people involved bring to movie lovers in the future.
Give this film a chance. Don't go into it expecting anything in particular (my advice for seeing any film - big or small) and you'll likely find yourself pleasantly surprised by how much more FUN you'll have.
P.S. Apparently, Brooke Hogan was up for a role in this film but had to step away for some reason or another. I don't want to sound harsh, but I'm glad she wasn't involved, because I can't help but think she may have stuck out like a sore thumb acting-wise compared to the subdued but competent performances by most of the cast. Sorry, Brooke... :^/