The Artist (***1/2 out of ****)

It's amazing that it has taken the movie industry this long to make a silent movie. The introduction of sound doesn't make silent films any less grand. They have engaging soundtracks and larger than life facial expressions. It's actually quite a lot of fun to see the exaggeration. The Artist is lovely film that has character you'll become connected with. It's a wonder.

George Valentin ( A marvelous Jean Dujardin) is a silent film hero. An actor set up on a pedestal for his craft. Bumping into him one day is aspiring actress peppy Miller (A terrific Berenice Bejo) and the two form a bond. One of romance and connection. Of idolization for both acting and personality. She rises through the ranks of cinema until both come to a cross roads in the introduction to sound in film. George can't keep up while Peppy becomes a major star. Things will be dark but there is light at the end of the tunnel.

The Artist has great production values, terrific acting, a show stealing terrier and above all else it feels like a fresh film. Jean Dujardin  has the perfect look and facial expressions for a silent film actor. It's his wide smile. Like the film it warms the soul.

***1/2 out of ****