Review of With a Friend Like Harry... (2000) by Simon M — 02 Mar 2011

This movie is a well-balanced mix of dark humor, Hitchcokian suspense and impressive performances.

The film starts off with Michel, his wife and their three screaming children in the backseat of the car. They are on their way to see Michels parents. I sensed immediately that there is a growing problem with Michel and his resentment of his humdrum domesticated life.

At a rest stop Michel runs into a former classmate in the Men's room. After a short conversation(Michel hardly remembers the classmate,Harry)Harry somehow convinces Michel to postpone his trip to his parents while he gets himself and his girlfriend Plum invited back to the home of the traveling family.

As time passes, Harry becomes more intwined with Michel and his family and his insistence that Michel start writing once again(Harry was quite impressed with Michel's writing back in school)borders on obsession. Michel finally is convinced to start writing, which creates a rift between husband and wife. Things get very suspenseful and pretty ugly as Harry takes complete control of Michel. Sure you may think that you have seen it all before, but the films many layers, mysterious circumstances and twisted twists make it all feel new. This is a well-crafted, beautifully shot film that some will find quite boring. I was quite satisfied and energized by what was going on with these people. It's a quirky and cool movie.