Mama Weed

Well, this movie received different names before and since its release, thus don't get confused: La Daronne (original title), The Godmother, Mama Weed ("La dona do Barato" in Brasil). It's a quirky story about a policewoman who is simply fed up with her life and takes the opportunity to get back to her roots (as, one learns during the movie, her parents and her husband were on the crooked side as well). It starts a bit slow, but once she sees a chance to better her life and springs into action the whole thing becomes oddly funny and sometimes even hilarious. It's a light and sweet comedy with an excellent Isabelle Huppert. 6/10 points

While this French crime drama-comedy serves up a modest share of chuckles and action sequences, its lack of defined motivations and its overpacked story threads tend to water down what could have been a better film had it incorporated an overall sense of greater clarity. When an underpaid French-Arabic police translator working for the narco squad intercepts an undercover message involving the son of a friend, she tries to intervene to shield him while simultaneously cashing in for herself on privileged (and highly lucrative) information, launching a deluge of hot pursuit against her on multiple fronts. Director Jean-Paul Salome's uneven offering benefits tremendously from the superb performance by the ever-reliable Isabelle Huppert, despite the fact that this vehicle is somewhat beneath her considerable talents. And, when the laughs work, they're genuinely funny, even if they come somewhat few and far between. But, despite these strengths, some judicious overall tidying up is required to make this one work more effectively.

A funny,serious,mischevious film,much more complex & delightful than trailer might lead you to expect. Very fine cast in all the supporting roles,with Ms. Huppert bringing everything to the many facets of her character & her relationships ,as always.