There is ample photographic evidence that the '70s were not, in fact, the best-looking, coolest decade ever. But you wouldn't know it from watching The Connection, a "loosely based on reality" story about the infamous drug-smuggling operation known as The French Connection, set in — of all places — France. It helps that we're in the Mediterranean port city of Marseilles, and it helps even more that we have The Artist star Jean Dujardin for a hero: a face built for lush sideburns, arched brows, and the worry-lines that accompany the job of hunting down the baddest of bad guys. But mostly it helps that we have director Cedric Jimenez and cinematographer Laurent Tangy, who bring a deliberate eye and sure hand to nearly every shot. Jimenez also co-wrote, and the same care and construction are evident in the film's expansive presentation of: the cops, the crooks, the government, the drug world, the players, the planning, the moves, the family lives on both sides... what's that? That last bit was slightly, oddly enervating, given the inherent drama of the subject and the fact that it's ostensible praise? Weird, right? But there it is, in print and onscreen. Still, it looks so good. (2015) — Matthew Lickona
This movie is not currently in theaters.