Before I even start the review, the opening scene is an eyeful of how the Paris, France transportation system has many clogs in the wheels of a work day. It makes you wonder if anyone would get to work on time, especially with the current strikes going on in the film. But that’s not what this film is all about, however it sure plays a part giving a lot of urgency to the storyline. The acting and powerhouse directing really make this fast paced movie work. If you are looking for a film that totally entertains, then check out Full Time wherever you purchase DVDs.
Julie, divorced and a single mother two young children, has reached the ceiling in her job as head chambermaid at a popular 5 star Paris hotel for well to do guests. With her plate full of problems at the hotel, her boss has added another maid that she will have to train. Her ex-husband is behind in his alimony which have caused her bank payments are behind accounts for ATM being dried up. Add to this go to child sitters losing touch and the striking transit has put her in a bind to get to work on time from here suburban residence. There are times she even has even resorted to hitchhiking when no Lyft or Uber rides are available.
On a hamster wheel, Julie must control her stress as she has an interview for a possible full time dream job that may work out better for her in the long run. Not able to get out of Paris after work she takes a hotel room in a low class neighborhood. When violence brakes out during striker demonstrations and her current job becomes in jeopardy she’s about to give it all up.
The film never slows down until the last 8 minutes. Wanting to make sure he uses the whole hour and 40 minutes, Director Eric Gravel shows the world the power of his performers. Laure Calamy as Julie does a brilliant job of showing how her character faces many obstacles. The pace does make the film work as it turns what would have been an ordinary story into a terrific hour and a half that flies by filled with emotion, drive and realistic drama.
The Extras that are on the disc include:
“Interview with Director Eric Gravel”
“Filmmaker Q&A” from the French Film Festival
“Theatrical Trailer”
Full Time has not Rated by the MPAA but it does contain some language. The film does play out in the French language with English Subtitles. For adults 30 years plus, 4 out of 5 Stars.
Specifications and additional video information:
Cast: Laure Calamy, Anne Suarez, Genevieve Mnich
Directed and Written by: Eric Gravel
Genre: Drama
MPAA Rating: Not Rated, contains language
Running Time: 1 hr, 28 min
Video Release Date: April 18, 2023
Language: French (with English Subtitles)
Reviewed Format: DVD
Audio: Dolby Digital 5.1
Video: Wide Screen Aspect Ratio 2.39:1
Subtitles: English
Distributed by: Music Box Films
Released on: DVD
Writer, critic, film editor John Delia, Sr. has been on all sides of the movie business from publications to film making. He has worked as a film critic with ACED Magazine for more than 20 years and other publications for a total of 40 years. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in communications from the University of Florida. John is a member of the Southeastern Film Critics Association and Critics Association of Central Florida Send John a message at jdelia@acedmagazine.com
