The Grand Seduction (2014)

To me, this movie is perfection.

So much average

A movie that not only functions as a solid scarefest but a razor-sharp satire.

The best films of this genre always show a path and provide a takeaway for being a better person.

The town of Tickle Head used to be thriving fishing port on the coast of Newfoundland. Then the Cod dried up and the town fell on hard times. We join them at a time when everyone is on Welfare and the civic pride has ebbed from the small community like the fish stocks that once sustained them.Then a petro chemical company turns up willing to build a reprocessing plant on the coast – their bid is in with a chance. They like the community but they must have a resident doctor which they do not have and with a small community are unlikely to get one. Brendan Gleeson plays Murray French erstwhile fisherman and now – by default – the Mayor and they think all is lost when fate deals them a one off chance. A plastic surgeon gets sent to the community as a way to avoid awkward questions by the law. The community decide to do a charm offensive in order to persuade this man that their little community is heaven. Problem is he loves cricket, jazz (and they don't) and he has a life he is already missing. Can the plan ever work?Now this is a gentle comedy and the laughs are more smiles than guffaws. However, the film has a warmth and charm that makes you want to watch it. Taylor Kitsch is nice, charming and plays the part to a tee but Gleeson as ever is the scene stealer though he is ably aide in this respect from a supporting cast that all do a fine job. If you like your humour on the slow side but don't mind a tale from left field then I think there is a lot here to enjoy.

The Grand Seduction (2013): Dir: Don McKellar / Cast: Taylor Kitsch, Brendan Gleeson, Gordon Pinsent, Liane Balaban, Mary Walsh: Grand and amusing Canadian comedy about a small harbor community under threat when its residence mostly collect welfare cheques. They wish to open the local factory but those in power rule that the harbor community must have a doctor on hand. Taylor Kitsch plays a young doctor caught with cocaine at the airport. He ends up at this harbor to perform his duties for a month. This means that all 120 people there must manipulate him into believing that this is the paradise he has been searching for. This becomes formula and predictable but it is not without a great deal of hilarity as the community band together to commit the ultimate deceit. It is similar to Waking Ned Devine with the exception that the ending here is more satisfactory. Kitsch is well cast as the doctor thrown into this community and dealing with a variety of amusing issues with patients. Unfortunately his girlfriend back home isn't as committed. Brendan Gleeson is excellent heading the charade against Kitsch. His wife went to find work in town leaving him to scheme a way to keep his life and home in tact. Gordon Pinsent plays Gleeson's friend who struggles to adapt to cricket, which is discovered to the sport Kitsch is into. Liane Balaban plays a sensible young female Gleeson wants to flirt with Kitsch but she refuses. Mary Walsh plays Gleeson's wife who decides it is time to depart to the city to earn a living. Gleeson is determined to bring her back. Low budget comedy presenting a grand representation of home. Score: 8 / 10

I got this movie solely because it had Taylor Kitsch in it. And if not for that anticipation, I would have turned this one off after a half hour. In that half hour, it was slow and predictable and was only watchable for it's beautiful scenery. Once Taylor arrived, it became very entertaining, while still predictable. The pace picked up a touch and all the actors suddenly became more entertaining. I suppose the director was trying to "set the scene" in the beginning and some more artistic viewers may appreciate that but I just found it boring. But the rest of the movie was funny, touching and satisfying so stay patient especially if you like Taylor.

The Grand Seduction absolutely seduced us - it's acerbic, charming, and genuinely funny - and definitely one of the comedies of the year. It has enough cliché and enough originality to feel comfortable but also a measure of unpredictability. The story of the little harbor village that needs a doctor to get jobs is nicely judged throughout.It stands in good stead with 1950s comedies from the UK. This is a film built on performances, particularly Gleason who seems almost lazy but really gives gravitas to the film. Its issue of how and where to find dignity where your community is dying is a great one, and the film is filled with little vignettes and moments of both hilarity and the right dose of sentimentality.This is one I would genuinely recommend - it is heartfelt, warm, genuine, honest, and both really funny and really fun.