Savoring Paris

As she is for many on this site, Bethany Joy Lenz is one of my favorite actresses in Hallmark romances. In this film, she plays the part of Ella Weber, a corporate burnout who is ready to change her life. On a whim, she walks out of the office and hops a flight to Paris, where she particularly wants to indulge in the cheeses. In no time at all, she is in a fromagerie, where the proprietor is dubious of her American sensibilities, but she obtains a slab that delights her.

Her living accommodations for the weeks she will be there are the posh digs of Clotilde Aubergel (Manon Azem). Clo helps Ella learn the ways of the French and encourages her adventurous spirit. She also introduces Ella to her cousin, Gaston (Ben Wiggins), an attractive man who is younger, but oh so charming. As we all know, "No one's slick as Gaston/No one's quick as Gaston", so she falls under his spell despite the warnings she gets about Gaston's reputation as a lothario.

Elle's ete d'amour is filled with new experiences and her senses are filled with the sights, sounds and tastes of Paris and its cheeses. The owner of the fromagerie, named Serge, eventually warms to her and he becomes the steward of her burgeoning knowledge of cheese.

As in many Hallmark romances, there is a misunderstanding that must be overcome: a phrase lost in translation. But Elle negotiates that obstacle and extends her stay: a jete dans ete. After all the montages de fromage, the fun fashions, and the views of the Tour Eiffel, Elle's future begins to take shape, if only she can commit to it.

There is a lot to like about this film, from the Parisian scenery to the beautiful actors. Another thing that works well, though it could have been an annoyance, is the use of thought bubbles to reveal Ella's inner thoughts while providing translations of some French phrases. As usual, Bethany Joy's energy drives the narrative; her enthusiasm in this role feels genuine.

Bethany Joy Lenz is one of my favorite Hallmark stars. Her acting is so natural. The other casting was great. I especially liked Manon Azem (Cloltilde) and Stanley Weber (Serge). The fashions were great to look at. It's Paris after all. I see that it was filmed in France and Bulgaria but since I have not been to either (except for the Paris airport) the setting looked authentic. Loved the conflict between mother and daughter. She was a bit controlling but what mother doesn't feel like they know best?

I wish there was a way to comment directly to a reviewer. One person thought that Serge was too old for Ella but in reality the actress is five years older. The other suitor is much younger (eight years) but that is the point. Why is it that no one seems to comment if the man is older?

This is a deligtful movie on all levels. The wardrobe for Bethany is just so lovely and brings life to the movie. The colours, the styles, the hair accessories all so flattering. Even the blue skirt in the closing scene in front of the stores attractive. As a rom-com, hit the mark, a mature woman seeking adventure and change, no squeaky woe is me sappy female. The male lead is business yet to ready for change. The only weird instance was the kissing scene after je t'aime, between E & S the segments of the scene seem edited out of order. I like the actress playing the mother, a change from the usual standard ones. Whomever the writing on the cheese idea come from is brilliant - like a tree carving of Ella + Serge. Watch this one. Bethany excellent as always.

Wow Hallmark has done it again with this movie.

You can't miss with Bethany Joy Lenz . She is sexy beautiful and a very good actress. Hallmark better not lose her. Her performance was so good I want to move to Paris. The two leads opposite her were very good. Both male leads had excellent chemistry with her and very convincing suitors.

Joys Roommate though a small part made the most of it. She also was very convincing as her roommate Joy gives a 4 star performance Best actress in the hallmark family Better not let her get away Cast of supporting actors right on the money Clothes,scenery, sets apartment & Chees store ete fantastic Joy really conveyed her anguish on weather to stay in Paris or go home. As a viewer I was like a ride along trying to figure out what she she would do. All in one of the best movies done by hallmark Keep it up.

I've said it before and I'll say it again: "One Tree Hill" alum (and, apparently, ex-cult member!) Bethany Joy Lenz is a natural Hallmark star, with her bubbly, bright and effervescent personality. She always does a good job in these movies, and "Savoring Paris" is no exception. There's something about her character in a movie set in the City of Light that just works so perfectly.

An original-ish - I mean, this is Hallmark, so we're not going too far from the comfort zone of these sorts of movies - plot and plenty of Parisian flavour. A few cliched characters, but you take the good with the bad. If you like cheese, you're in luck.

Another winner from the ranks of Hallmark's on-location movies, which I think are some of the best that the Crown network does.