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.

I love Christmas films but some can be over the top and have more cheese than a fondue, not this one, I thoroughly enjoyed this film from start to finish. Minka Kelly is incredible, she is beautiful, so very talented she exudes confidence and grace in every part she plays. I will definitely watch this one again, 'bubbles get rid of my troubles' the supporting cast were well cast and the love story between Sidney and Henri was brilliant, the chemistry was real and the scenery incredible. Highly recommend this film! Thank you for making this, it's definitely what we need and for those of us without kids it's refreshing.

Yes, its predictable, yes its cheesy but its also sweet, cozy and sincere. Definitely one of the better of these types of movies. I score movies against similar movies of their kind. You can't compare this to a cinematic masterpiece. Its another Christmas themed, turn your brian off and get cozy tv/streaming movie.

Netflix haven't had a decent one for a few years, but finally this was worth a watch.

Paris looks stunning, and unlike many movies like this it appears at least some of it was filmed in France. The cast are all decent, good chemistry between the leads. The lead actress reminds me of JLo.

If you like these cheesy xmas movies, I think this one's definitely worth a watch.

8.3 stars.

I'll watch this again in the next few years. It's got some actual comedy that is literally funny, and even some of it is laugh-out-loud.

'Champagne Problems' has a generous amount of clever and humorous dialogue, and don't be surprised if you find yourself smiling because of the secondary characters. The gay man whose father is a billionaire -- totally hilarious. I think he must be a comedian, but if not, his lines were perfectly timed and his material was really good. The German man was also hilarious. He had a spot-on dark and "bleak" humor that was so intriguing and fun. He's such a silly cynic, who refers to himself as a glass half full type. The German and the lead female discuss 'Die Hard' nuances and how he grew up believing Hans Gruber is comparatively Robin Hood, then her rebuttals were so fresh. Totally the funniest scene in the movie, and quite a surprise, because you won't see this level of cleverness in this genre of movies very often. Honestly, the gay man and the German elevate this movie by a full star, from 7.0 to 8.0. When I watch it again in a few years, I'll be looking forward to their weird humor and puns. The French lady was more serious, but she had her moments as well. All three of them were quite entertaining.

Oddly, the leads were the least fun of the bunch. I'm sure it was by design as they were more serious, which allowed for the romance to blossom organically; however without the levity of the secondaries, this film might fall flat. Usually with romantic dramas, we rely solely on the leads to provide a whimsical experience, but for this film, that aspect is not enough to carry it. Sure, there are early moments, but it's not developed or smooth enough to satisfy until the end. Therefore, my conclusion is that the allure of 'Champagne Problems' is the supporting characters with their wackadoo personalities and oddball comments.

The plot is the usual trope featuring a wealthy wine business owner, negotiating with corporate executives from a larger corporation, who will either help manage his company, or purchase it. It's generally a hostile takeover disguised by fake smiles and false promises. Per usual, the protagonist female, one of the negotiators, is unaware of her boss's intentions to exploit the underdog. Naturally, the leading man mistakes her intentions as those of a double-crosser, and they have a brief falling out. As I said, the usual blueprint of romance stories.

What makes this rom-com really stand out amongst its peers is that it doesn't run out of steam. It will likely stand the test of time.

Cute story - the script is a mix of love and business conflict and the film offevrs the BEST scenes of Paris. For a dreamer like me who idolizes how Paris was in the 90's and 2000's, this movie is like a cosy blanket on an Autumn Night. Film is for everyone - families couples girlfriends. Please do not miss this gem of a movie and Minka Kelly is as lovely as ever! Stayed away from fillers and stayed natural.