How I Killed My Father (France/Spain; 100 min.) directed by: Anne Fontaine starring: Michel Bouquet; Charles Berling; Natacha Régnier; Amira Casar

Michael says: "Technically proficient and strongly acted, the downfall of Fontaine's drama is in its detachment. Central character, Jean-Luc, is a successful doctor, with a beautiful, classy wife. When his father returns to France after living for many years in Africa, neither Jean-Luc, nor his younger brother are very happy to see him. What follows is a look at class issues, parental abandonment and emotional detachment. Bouquet gives a stand-out performance as the returning father, and Natacha Regnier (DREAMLIFE OF ANGELS) is a vision of beauty and quiet, hidden anger as Jean-Luc's wife. Unfortunately, Jean-Luc himself is so unsympathetic that it is difficult to care about his story." 2 1/2 cats