Renoir (2012)

On the French Riviera in the summer of 1915, Jean Renoir -- son of the Impressionist painter, Pierre-Auguste -- returns home to convalesce after being wounded in World War I; at his side is Andrée, a young woman who rejuvenates, enchants, and inspires both father and son.

Nicely staged and well cast, but somnambulant and stolid period piece that doesn't really reveal much about art, cinema or romance.

Maltin**1/2: "If accurate cosmetics were all, this film would totally hit the mark, but the effects is too stately to rate more than a mild nice-try curtsy. Lovers of either artist may still want to give this a shot."

Le gamin au vélo (2011)

Abandoned by his father, a young boy is left in a state-run youth farm, and in a random act of kindness, the town hair-dresser agrees to foster him on week-ends.

Very realistically staged bleak drama, both insightful and touching, with an excellent cast.

Maltin***1/2: "Another moving slice of life from the Dardenne brothers that unfolds almost like a documentary, without commenting on the action. It's up to us to respond as we choose, and the results are emotionally devastating."