The Popkorn Junkie

"Chocolate" is set in small town France during the 1960's. the story begins with a woman, Vianne Rocher (played by Julliete Binoche), and her pre-teen daughter arriving into town and starting up a chocolate shop. The town's mayor is offended and shocked by the opening of the sweet shop as it is the beginning of Lent in his very pious town. In case you don't know the significance of Lent, most Catholics fast or give up treats like chocolate during this religious time period. Anyway, the mayor (Alfred Molina) and some other townspeople try their best to shut her shop down, but it doesn't work. Vianne holds her own, keeps her shop open, and eventually wins over most of the town with her personality and food.

Vianne is spreads her good (and chocolate) all over the small French town. She assists her landlord, she helps a woman get out of an abusive marriage, and she reunites a grandmother (Judi Dench) with the grandson that her daughter is not letting visit her. The cinematography is beautiful in this film, and the score is excellent. Don't go see this movie on an empty stomach, and be sure to buy candy at the theater, because if you don't, the movie will be a tease. All that chocolate...

-- James ( 3 out of 4 pops )

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Liz ( 3 1/2 out of 4 pops )

The word "yummy" applies to this movie in so many ways-- the chocolate, the setting, and good old Johnny Depp (Julliette Binoche supplies the eye candy for the guys). It's sweet, lovely, and it elevates you to that sphere where fairy tales are real and love simply exists. You may not feel totally satisfied after seeing this film, but its flavor will certainly leave a pleasant after-taste with you, and possibly leave you craving another morsel.