I'm used to seeing real French movies made by serious directors in with a good script. However, I am not averse to a cheesy, romantic Christmas movie once in a while. But this is not one of them. For starters, there are too many 9/10 and 10/10 'reviews' that make me wonder who these people are. At the other extreme there are several 1-3/10 reviews as well which seem more authentic.
The rich French billionaire arriving in a black stretch limo with his own private jet meets gorgeous Big Sky former model - perfect setup. Flies her to Paris for Christmas to meet his maman. What's not to like?
The movie should be called "Christmas in Montana" since 90% of the movie is actually shot in the US with a bit in what is allegedly Paris. The whole sleigh ride with jingle bells and the Santa scene are ridiculously absurd and the dialogue is full of clichés. There is also the usual clichés of French fortunes based on vineyards, wine, fashion and fragrances. As Sam Goldwyn said "We need some new clichés".
The lead male actor Karl Landler does not seem at all authentic. He shows absolutely no passion, character, charm, or knowledge about anything remotely related to French cultural life or events. He is both shallow and callow. His dialogue is stilted and, oddly, he speaks to his maman in English. (Living part-time in Paris, I have never seen a mother and her son, speaking in English!) The director should have striven for more authenticity and done a more completely French dialogue with the French actors. Rebecca Dalton however, is lovely as the all-American (Canadian) gal who, despite uttering love-struck clichés walking along the Seine, does a creditable job.
But one saving grace is the first falling out between the smitten lovers in his wine cellar and it's ultimate resolution. The denouement is also a little bit of a twist that is the only genuinely emotional scene in the entire movie.
The rich French billionaire arriving in a black stretch limo with his own private jet meets gorgeous Big Sky former model - perfect setup. Flies her to Paris for Christmas to meet his maman. What's not to like?
The movie should be called "Christmas in Montana" since 90% of the movie is actually shot in the US with a bit in what is allegedly Paris. The whole sleigh ride with jingle bells and the Santa scene are ridiculously absurd and the dialogue is full of clichés. There is also the usual clichés of French fortunes based on vineyards, wine, fashion and fragrances. As Sam Goldwyn said "We need some new clichés".
The lead male actor Karl Landler does not seem at all authentic. He shows absolutely no passion, character, charm, or knowledge about anything remotely related to French cultural life or events. He is both shallow and callow. His dialogue is stilted and, oddly, he speaks to his maman in English. (Living part-time in Paris, I have never seen a mother and her son, speaking in English!) The director should have striven for more authenticity and done a more completely French dialogue with the French actors. Rebecca Dalton however, is lovely as the all-American (Canadian) gal who, despite uttering love-struck clichés walking along the Seine, does a creditable job.
But one saving grace is the first falling out between the smitten lovers in his wine cellar and it's ultimate resolution. The denouement is also a little bit of a twist that is the only genuinely emotional scene in the entire movie.