Quotation Quiz:

"What's with this kissing all of a sudden?
I don't like it. Every time he goes out of this house, he shakes my hand and kisses you.
Would you prefer it the other way around?"

From which film does that description come from? The answer is at the bottom of the page.

Our feature presentation: Molière

"Molière", which is in French with English subtitles, is released on 13th July and stars Romain Duris. Focussing on a mysterious few months in 1644 when he made the transition from actor to playwright, the writer/director Laurent Tirard invents a story explaining this move, and while the film itself is a typical French romp, Romain Duris is especially interesting and charming as the young wannabe quot;artiste".

Tirard bases the story on one intriguing fact about Molière's life – a spell in prison for failure to repay debts. After Moliere is bailed out by "anonymous", the director makes up his own story involving wealthy trader Monsieur Jourdain (Fabrice Luchini). Jordain puts him up at the mansion and demands acting lessons, for he plans to woo a pretty Marquise (Ludivine Sagnier) by performing a self-composed play. The play is rotten and what's worse, Jourdain is married.

There is much cunning misdirection and embarrassing mix-ups, and it wouldn't be a French farce without the added complication of Molière's growing affection for Jourdain's wife (Laura Morante). It's a very infectious film with a sense of fun that lingers after the lights come back on.

Forthcoming attractions:

Out on 3rd August there’s "Seraphim Falls" with Liam Neeson and Pierce Brosnan, who star in this Wild West action feature set following the civil war, in which a General is driven by rage, determined to kill a man over a lasting grudge.

Also out on the 3rd is "Evan Almighty". It’s a semi-sequel to "Bruce Almighty", this time starring Steve Carell stars as a senator instructed by God - Morgan Freeman again - to build an ark.

And released on 24th August there’s "Mrs Ratcliffe's Revolution". This stars Catherine Tate, who takes the title role in this feelgood comedy about a dysfunctional family who travel from 1968 West Yorkshire to East Germany and back, in pursuit of Mr Radcliff's Communist dream.

Moviewatch grapevine

Anthony Minghella has been busy casting "The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency". This is an adaptation of Alexander McCall Smith's best-selling book series. ‘Dreamgirls’ star Anika Noni Rose is already on board as agency secretary Grace Makutsi, and she'll be joined by David Oyelowo, Idris Elba and Colin Salmon. Singer/songwriter Jill Scott will star as Precious Ramotswe, the series' heroine. and proprietor of the only female-owned detective agency in Botswana. Minghella co-wrote the screenplay with Richard Curtis.

Shooting is finally underway on Keanu Reeves thriller "The Night Watchman". He stars as Tom Ludlow, an LAPD policeman framed for the murder of a fellow officer while struggling to get over the death of his wife. Forest Whitaker is on board as Ludlow's boss and mentor, and new recruits include Hugh Laurie and Naomie Harris, plus Chris Evans and John Corbett.

And finally, the original Shaft, Richard Roundtree has signed up for "Speed Racer". That's the live-action adaptation of a Japanese cartoon from directors Larry and Andy Wachowski. Emile Hirsch stars as an upstart racecar driver who, while on a quest for glory, learns a few lessons in family values.
Roundtree will play Ben Burns, a racer-turned-commentator and iconic hero to the up and coming stars. He joins Christina Ricci, Susan Sarandon, John Goodman and Matthew Fox who are already on set in Berlin.

Quotation quiz answer:

And the quote came from Cary Grant and Myrna Loy in the 1948 "Mr Blandings builds his Dream House"