French Girl

I was looking forward to this film as I love Quebed City and Quebec in general. I have ancestors from Beauport. But I wanted to stop watching 10 minutes into it. Why would a beautiful, talented, accomplished young woman be at all interested in a neurotic, weak, candyass loser like Gordon? It's just too preposterous to suspend one's disbelief in order to enjoy at least the scenery in the film. The storyline displalys one cliche after another. I don't understand how scripts like this get made. No, wait, I do: because Hollywood producers are all neurotic, weak candyasses who were able to move on from their careers in car sales or the clothing business or corporate law through nepotism or fraternity connections.

I found the first 20 or so minutes difficult to get through. First there is the drug that Gordon's dad gave him to calm him down for the flight and it made him act like a total jackass on the plane and in the airport terminal. Then there was the gathering of French Canadian family, all talking too loud and over each other at the table during a meal. All more annoying than entertaining. I thought to myself, "If this is how the whole movie is then I am going to abandon it."

Thankfully it eventually redeemed itself, things settled down and a pretty interesting story developed for the rest of the way.

Zach Braff is New York school teacher, Gordon Kinski. He is pretty much a dull, ordinary guy. His girlfriend is French Canadian actress Evelyne Brochu as Sophie-Jeanne Tremblay. She is a successful chef that soon gets extra notice. A person from her past contacts her, they are holding a contest of sorts and want her to compete for the job of Executive Chef at a new high-end restaurant in Quebec. That is the spark for the trip back home where her family runs a farm that produces superior lambs.

The person from the past is Vanessa Hudgens as Ruby Collins, a somewhat famous chef with a TV show and she is holding the competition for the new chef. Greatly complicating matters is she and Evelyne had more than just a professional relationship back in the day and Gordon does not know about it, as he is preparing to ask her to marry him.

My wife and I watched it at home, streaming on Amazon Prime. The streaming version includes English subtitles when French is spoken. In spite of its very rough beginning it turned out to be a better movie than my wife and I expected it to be. Its IMDb rating seems just a bit low.

Admittedly a bit niche if no subtitles are available, but for someone like me, a bilingual Québec native, this was pure candy. I enjoyed this thoroughly! It's a written, well executed, light hearted comedy. It also highlights the caliber of fantastic actors that are produced in Quebec. Everyone in this movie is extremely solid even in the context of what I assume is a "made for America" movie. Will this win and Oscar? No. Will you have a good time watching it? Yes. Is that the point of a comedy? Absolutely. I laughed out loud many times! It's cute and played with genuine sincerity. If you come in rooting for yourself to like it, you will. Zach Braff is so much fun to watch and so is the québécois cast. Luc Picard (the dad) is a master. I say, give it a chance and you might be very pleasantly surprised.

'' French Girl '' is a romantic comedy about a man who follows his French Canadian girlfriend back to Canada, where he meets her parents and her ex who tries to get between them.

Surprisingly, the movie is not that bad. It has some funny moments, it is romantic enough to be believable, and it has an interesting concept. Yes, it is not original, as plenty rom coms were founded on the basis of meeting the parents or even having a cultural shock when they do due to their cultural differences. And yet, this one manages to be subbtle and funny.

On the other hand, there were some rushed moments and the ending was just okay.

What a nice surprise. The entire theater was laughing for the duration of the film. Good jokes, great story, the actors are pleasant, really a great experience and a comedy to watch again.

What a great way to show the beautiful Québec city. The chemistry between the actors is also amazing. Don't trust the haters, it's a great comedy and the whole room enjoyed it. Abimé

The cast is brilliant, each having their moment to shine. The jokes are well structured and delivered, the sense of comedy is on point.

The film offers a beautiful representation and beautiful images of Quebec City without missing its chance to present certain assumed clichés. It's a true love letter to the city and you can feel it from start to finish.