There's no particular reason The Artist should work. It's a predominantly silent film, in black and white, with lead actors you likely haven't seen before. And yet, it's delightful, simply lovely, a tribute to the magic that occasionally takes place when inspiration meets resources.

The year is 1927, and silent films are still all the rage. Actor George Valentin (Jean Dujardin) is at the top of his game, he's got a grilled cheese eating grin, a chauffeur, and a cute little dog that appears in all his movies with him. Those films are big and broad, appealing to the masses. For example, he stars in A German Affair to follow up on his hit film A Russian Affair. The toast of the town, that's George.

Alas, he's married, and she's on her way up in the game, so their interaction is short lived. Unfortunately for George, trouble is a brewing, and it's coming in the form of talking. George is a silent film expert, and he rejects the idea of talking in his movies, leaving him dangerously out of touch. Conversely, Peppy's career is starting to gain real steam, partly thanks to George and his advice.

Recent movies such as Wall-E have executed a nearly flawless "silent" film experience, but nothing is quite the throwback that The Artist is. By rousing a forgotten medium director Michel Hazanavicius has given us a little gift of cinema. Form did follow function at the movies, and it is an understatement to say that sound has helped the industry, but The Artist, with its charm, verve, and timing is a real treat. Highly recommended for any serious fan of cinema, The Artist says it best when it says nothing at all.

Grade: A