Champagne Problems

Sydney Price is sent by her boss to strike a deal for Châteaux Cassell, a French champagne business that's in trouble. On her first night she meets Henri, a Parisian, who happens to be the son of Hugo Cassell, the man she needs to convince to go for her deal.

The Christmas miracle has struck early, I never thought it would happen-a Christmas movie that's a little different, one I actually can give a positive review about. I found myself not texting or playing games, just engrossed.

You're not forced into feeling anything for the characters; you'll naturally warm to them. They're grounded, realistic, and somehow down to earth, even Roberto has more going on than you'd first think.

I like the premise, I love the setting: Christmas in Paris, what could be better? You really do see it in all its glory, the bad bits naturally are absent. Anyone that can afford multiple snacks from a French Christmas market must own a châteaux. The mix of French and English gives it a Hallmark-free, grown-up vibe.

Our lead character is likeable; once she forgets her power trip head and puts her phone down, she shines. And our French love interest has a bit of depth, he's handsome but not in a Hallmark catalogue kind of way, he's not manicured to within an inch of his life. The pair are great.

The supporting characters develop with time; initially you'll shudder at the stereotypes, but they'll win you over.

The true star of the show must be Hugo's scene-stealing Citroën DS Cabriolet-that's some car.

This was number three in the Netflix charts, and I'd suggest it actually deserves its spot. This is a genuinely lovely Christmas film.

Heart, but it's not encased in a cinnamon-coated sugary casing; it's warm and natural.

8/10.

I never thought I'd write a Christmas movie review like this.

Minka Kelly is criminally underutilized by the film industry. I knew I needed to watch Champagne Problems just to see her. And I was reminded of her grounded, glowing presence. She seems both sparkling and sincere in the role of Sydney Price, with a smile to light up your screen and a slow cadence to all she says. Many of the Christmas rom-com tentpoles are in place: overworked career woman in need of an adventure, a castle with an unassuming heir, an unexpected work trip that falls on Christmas, etc. So, it will hit the spot! Additionally, they speak French for much of the film and provide a lot of interesting knowledge about Champagne, with some fun French sayings. There was a level of heart to the movie that I don't always see in generic holiday films. Maybe its Tom Wozniczka, who is a revelation! This one is a must see for fans of Christmas romance!

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.

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.

Champagne Problems is beautiful to look at and the billionaire character is loads of fun, but the story is slow and cringe-worthy at times. The fast-forward button was put to good use while watching.

The biggest cringe is the portrayal of German Christmas culture. Many beautiful Christmas traditions come from Germany, yet this particular German character seems to not have gleaned any of them.

There were also several mistakes with the subtitles.

Hopefully future attempts will move a bit quicker and not be so demeaning. And hopefully they will keep the beautiful locations and filming.