Believe it or not, I have had to replace this movie because I have watched it so much. It is one of the few movies I never tire of and pull it out at least three to four times a year. It is just a fun movie to watch and enjoy and it definately is Meg Ryan and Kevin Kline at ther best.
The story line is quite simple, but that is the beauty of the movie. It doesn’t try to complicate love and romance. It is just a cute story about some amusing and quirky people. The movie does not only center around the characters but the country itself. France and especially Paris becomes a character in itself. The pursuit of viewing the Eiffel Tower to the beauty of the wine region becomes the perfect back drop to the comedy. The movie is directed by Lawrence Kasdan and he does a masterful job in blending the beauty of the country into the story line of the movie.
The movie stars Meg Ryan, Timothy Hutton and Kevin Kline. Meg Ryan plays Kate, a woman who was jilted by her fiance, Charley, (Timothy Hutton) when he falls for a French Goddess. This becomes the catalyst that changes Meg causing her to overcome her biggest fears in an attempt to recapture her lost love and fractured heart. Ryan finds herself in France with the polar opposite man, Luke (Kevin Klein) that she meets on the plane. Luke becomes all the stereotypes of being French! Kate’s journey to win back her Charley becomes a roller coaster of emotions for both Kate and Luke and becomes fun to watch.
Meg Ryan is perky and fun and Kevin Kline protrays a convincingly French man with is wild hair, messy bad boy appearance and his open-mined, pragmatic personality. Luke’s love for Kate becomes apparent when they accidently kiss on the train to Nice. Kevin Kilne plays Luke with such complexity and wit that you can’t help but fall in love with him with Kate.
Finally, even though Ryan and Kline mesh well and are wonderful. My favorite characters would have to be the police inspector played by Jean Reno and the concierge at the Hotel George V in Paris. Both smaller roles but perfect because they captured the French persona perfectly and compliment the movie so well.
So, if you love France and fun light hearted romantic films, this movie will romance you again and again. The cast is great together and the film leaves you wanting more. You will want to drink some French wine and kiss and dance with your lover. Rent it! You will want to buy it!
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