Halloween étant terminé, il est temps de se détourner des films d’horreur pour débuter novembre sur une note plus détendue. Que vous recherchiez des rires, de la romance ou de l’action palpitante, cette liste vous propose des films variés pour vous divertir durant le week-end. Parmi les recommandations figurent des titres comme *Infernal Affairs*, *Bridget Jones’s Diary* et *Dinner for Schmucks*, tous disponibles en streaming sur Max.
With Halloween behind us, the desire to watch another horror film may have vanished. Understandably so! After experiencing chilling flicks like Smile 2 and iconic thrillers such as The Texas Chain Saw Massacre, it’s nice to take a step back from the scares.
Fortunately, this compilation of films can kick off your November on a lighthearted note. Whether you’re in the mood for laughter, romance, or exhilarating action, you’ll find plenty of options to keep you entertained this weekend.
Infernal Affairs (2002)
There’s a good chance you’ve seen The Departed, the award-winning crime thriller from Martin Scorsese featuring Leonardo DiCaprio, Jack Nicholson, Mark Wahlberg, and Matt Damon. It was a hit among both critics and audiences when it premiered in 2006, earning Scorsese an Oscar for Best Director. However, despite its acclaim, The Departed pales in comparison to its original inspiration, 2002’s Infernal Affairs.
Indeed, The Departed is a remake that follows the core storyline of Infernal Affairs while incorporating a few changes and an abundance of Boston accents. The narrative centers around Lau Kin-ming (Andy Lau), a member of a Hong Kong triad, who infiltrates the police academy to serve as a mole, while Chan Wing-yan (Tony Leung) is an expelled officer working undercover to penetrate the same gang as Lau.
This leads to a gripping game of cat and mouse, where both characters grapple with their loyalties and seek to avoid capture. Their destinies intertwine, culminating in a shocking conclusion that remains powerful even in 2024. After the film ends, you’ll likely find yourself taking a moment to remind yourself: “It’s only a movie.”
Infernal Affairs is available for streaming on Max.
Bridget Jones’s Diary (2001)
While I’m not usually drawn to romantic comedies, especially those that lean heavily on clichés to extract maximum chuckles and tears, Bridget Jones’s Diary stands apart. This film carries a distinctly British sarcastic tone and, thanks to its talented cast, offers genuine humor.
Renée Zellweger stars in her finest role as Bridget, a Londoner who battles with her unhealthy habits while seeking love and happiness amid a sea of disappointing and unattainable men. Among them is her flirty boss, Daniel (Hugh Grant), whose charm pulls her in through playful exchanges. However, Bridget also finds herself drawn to the more dependable Mark (Colin Firth), who is stuck in a dull engagement and owns a wardrobe filled with unsightly holiday sweaters.
Based on Helen Fielding’s popular novel, Bridget Jones’s Diary succeeds because it treats its protagonist with dignity. Bridget may be scattered and awkward, but her intelligence and kindness shine through, making her relatable. Zellweger’s charm is undeniable, even in an ill-fitting bunny costume, while Grant and Firth embody the type of British gentleman that you may find yourself wishing to meet. Just a word of warning: steer clear of the two unnecessary and mediocre sequels!
Bridget Jones’s Diary is available for streaming on Max.
Dinner for Schmucks (2010)
Sometimes, a film doesn’t meet your expectations fully but is just entertaining enough to watch. Dinner for Schmucks falls into this category. Paul Rudd plays Tim Conrad, an ambitious executive eager for promotion. His boss, impressed by him, invites him to a unique dinner: a gathering for the “schmucks.” Tim’s task is to find a new candidate to ridicule at the dinner among a crowd of influential guests.
He encounters an excellent contender in Barry Speck (Steve Carell), who is eccentric both in appearance and behavior. For instance, one of Barry’s hobbies includes creating “Mousterpieces,” which are clever taxidermy displays featuring mice that recreate famous paintings. Thus, Barry seems like the perfect “schmuck” to invite.
As Tim spends more time with Barry, he uncovers the genuine kindness behind his quirky demeanor and starts to feel guilty about participating in such a cruel event. You can predict the plot’s progression, and while the conclusion might be exaggerated, it doesn’t detract from the delightful chemistry between Rudd and Carell. It may not be a masterpiece, but