Champagne Problems

I usually end up turning off these hallmark style Christmas movies about half way through, but this one was different. The characters were actually likable and believable, the setting was beautiful. It was actually quite funny too! I highly enjoyed watching this, it'll be added to my rotation of yearly Christmas movies!

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.

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.

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.

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.