Champagne Problems

Greetings again from the darkness. I'll begin by admitting two things. First, I don't watch many romantic-comedies. Second, I do understand why the genre is appealing to so many. That second point seems especially true around the holidays when emotions run high and the Hallmark channel peaks. Netflix is joining in the fun with this latest from writer-director Mark Steven Johnson, who in 2010 explored the genre with WHEN IN ROME. Not one to shy away from gorgeous settings, this time Johnson takes us to Paris, France.

Minka Kelly ("Titans") stars as Sydney Price, an ambitious executive whose boss is finally giving her an opportunity to close a big acquisition. Usually relegated to sourcing the deals, she views this as her chance to take the next step professionally. One added benefit is a trip to Paris, which leaves her sister Skyler (Maeve Courtier-Lilley) holding her to a pinky-swear to spend one night sightseeing, rather than working. Once at her gorgeous hotel, Sydney takes a walk to one of the iconic Paris bookstores. It's here where she gets her meet-cute with Henri (Tom Wozniczka, "Slow Horses").

Of course, we all know the formula. He's charming and handsome. They flirt. Will they or won't they? He turns out to have a surprise identity. They have their ups and downs, including a couple of misunderstandings. All of this happens concurrently with Sydney competing for the purchase of the champagne company owned by Hugo Cassell (Thibault de Montalembert, ALL QUIET ON THE WESTERN FRONT, 2022). The fun really begins when Hugo invites Sydney and the other bidders to his stunning Chateau Cassell. The others are fronted by French local Brigitte (Astrid Whettnail, "The Missing"), German Otto (Flula Borg, THE SUICIDE SQUAD, 2021), and wildcard Roberto (Sean Amsing, "Parked"). Brigitte is conniving, while Otto is stiff and calculated (and believes DIE HARD is a tragedy since Hans Gruber dies), and Roberto is a party animal and son of a billionaire ... and provides most of the film's comic relief.

Sydney and Henri get a flirty, sparkling evening ride on the giant Ferris wheel, as well as a light show under the Eiffel Tower. The setting and sights are breathtaking - both Paris and the Chateau. Despite the formulaic approach and lack of any real suspense, the film serves its purpose by delivering a love story with some laughs in an incredibly romantic and stunning setting. Just remember that "Champagne isn't just a drink, it's a celebration", so "taste the stars" (and don't dig too deep).

Premieres on Netflix on November 19, 2025.

My wife and I always look for a pleasant and clean rom-com to watch after our usual weekend steak and wine dinner and we found this one on NFLX streaming. It is made much like a Hallmark movie where two single adults meet and get sweet on each other, something drives a wedge between them, then they are able to reconcile.

We enjoyed it as suitable entertainment. The characters are quirky and include some inventive dialog, making it a cut above most movies of this genre.

The star is Minka Kelly as Sydney Price. She works for a USA company in business acquisitions. They learn of a chateau that is having financial issues and want to sell the property with its Champagne production. When she gets there she finds she is in an unusual "competition" with three others who want to purchase the property, they need to convince the owner they are the right one for the deal.

It ends in an unexpected and entertaining manner.

Good movie and includes some nice shots of Paris.

So, finally, a proper couple from Netflix. Two genuinely good-looking humans who actually feel like they belong together. The movie gives you those old fairytale vibes right from the start - the kind where everything is a little too perfect, but that's exactly why you watch it.

Yes, it's a typical Netflix co-romantic film. Don't expect powerful acting, and don't expect luxury-level direction or cinematography. It's simple, it's light, and at times it feels like it was made exactly to be watched with a blanket and zero expectations.

But here's the point: you will get from this movie what you came for.

Warm Christmas moments.

Cozy romantic beats.

"La Paris" covered in snow.

Nothing more, nothing less - and sometimes that's all you need.

Four companies are in competition to buy a french winery. Sidney is representing a large american company. And of course, she meets the son of the winery owner, and they hit it off. The silly but fun flula is in here as one of the competitors, but clearly, he's really here to provide the humor. It all works. A very typical meety your sweety à paris. It's pretty good, but could have used some twists or surprises. Not a lot new here, but it's cute. Written and directed by mark johnson.

This is a movie that you just sit back with a blanket, cup of tea and mince pie. Really enjoyable. It even made me look up the price and time to take a trip to Paris! Especially that book shop.... I'm an avid reader and I loved that part.

The romance and push and pull was just right. I felt the actors chemistry and both were so watchable and just natural. I'm such a fan of these type of Christmas movies.