The Artist

In this age of CGI, 3D and Technicolor landscapes galore, it's quite strange to see a black-and-white movie in a 1:33 aspect ratio (instead of 16:9 widescreen, the norm these days) that's silent with intertitles about 95% of the time. What's even more surprising is that many are calling it the best film of the year. I couldn't agree more. The Artist is simply delightful, and film fans of (almost) all ages should check this one out. The story has elements from classic films like A Star is Born, Singin' in the Rain and Citizen Kane, yet feels quite original. Between the years 1927 and 1932, a famous film actor named George Valentin gets left out in his studio's transition to "talkies," while Peppy Miller, a young starlet he made famous, gets tons of exposure by starring in them. "Out with the old, and in with the new," the studio's lead executive says, and George gets progressively more distraught, but Peppy ends up saving him from his despair. I won't tell you anything else, because all film lovers and people who are tired of derivative blockbusters need to see this film. Also, despite the PG-13 rating, it actually has very little objectionable content to speak of, and is right on the fence between PG and PG-13. The sparse list of MPAA content descriptors confirms this: a disturbing image (a brief but somewhat intense suicide attempt, but it's interrupted and not very graphic) and a rude gesture (a woman giving a man “the finger”). There's also plenty of smoking and drinking, and while the former is definitely glamourized at times (smoking scenes in black-and-white do look beautiful, after all), it's firmly placed in the 1920s time period that it's set in. The drinking is condemned, as a decision made by an inebriated character ends up putting his life in danger. Overall, though, if you love film and don't mind the fact that it's a silent movie produced in a technologically advanced age, The Artist will delight you. Plus, not only do the human actors put on amazing performances, but the film's canine star, Uggy, is also quite a riot.

My rating: PG [borderline with PG-13] for some violent images, smoking and a brief crude reference. Violence: 2.5/5 - A non-graphic electrocution scene; a man attempts suicide in a fire and with a gun. Drugs: 3/5 - Smoking.

This is such a great, wondrous movie! And they pulled it off with no sound or color! Come on, this deserves 5 stars! A 6-yr-old I know looooooooooooooved it. And she usually can't sit through a movie with sound or color. Everyone should see it in my opinion.

The Artist is a must see!!! So creative and keeps you at the edge of your seat!! In my opinion, its safe just make sure your kids under stand those days with the drinking, also with going deaf (crazy), suicidal thoughts (in the begging its hard but its a movie in a movie). It may seem rough from what I typed but its not bad. Completey enjoy the night get out and watch this movie that one a few golden globes!!!