‘French Girl’ Review – A Bland Rom-Com Concoction, Lost In A Maze Of Clichés And Uncertainty

James A. Woods and Nicolas Wright, the directorial and writing duo behind the new romantic comedy French Girl, have crafted an experience akin to navigating a French-themed maze after indulging in wine and succumbing to a baguette-induced stupor. This encapsulates the essence of French Girl, where love, laughter, and a sprinkle of existential crisis intertwine. It’s a journey through a mixture of love, uncertainty, and a hint of French flair.

French Girl as a culinary experiment gone awry, attempting to fuse the flavors of romantic tension and comedic chaos but ending up with a bland concoction of clichés and squandered chances. In this tale, we meet Gordon (Zach Braff), a hapless protagonist navigating the tumultuous seas of jealousy and self-doubt as his girlfriend Sophie (Evelyne Brochu) embarks on a career opportunity threatening to capsize their relationship. Into this mix steps Ruby (Vanessa Hudgens), the femme fatale whose presence adds an unexpected kick to an already simmering pot of emotions.

From the start, French Girl feels like a worn-out journey, akin to a weary traveler tracing the same old footsteps. Braff’s depiction of Gordon, with his familiar quirks and stumbling charm, triggers a sense of déjà vu—a recycled rendition of characters we’ve witnessed him embody before, but now infused with a hint of middle-aged angst. It’s as though the film clings desperately to the remnants of youth, stubbornly ignoring the ticking clock of time.

However, where the film truly stumbles is in its execution of comedy. Like a soufflé left in the oven a tad too long, the humor falls flat, lacking the delicate touch and finesse needed to truly elevate the material. It’s as if the comedic timing is off-kilter, with jokes landing awkwardly and punchlines failing to pack the intended punch. The screenplay lacks the freshness and originality necessary to engage audiences fully. Rather than delivering witty banter and clever situational humor, we’re served a lukewarm concoction of recycled jokes and forced laughs, leaving viewers longing for something more satisfying.

Moreover, the film’s attempts at humor often border on the absurd, straying into territory that feels disconnected from the narrative and characters. The cringe-inducing scene involving Sophie’s senile grandmother and a misplaced engagement ring feels contrived and uncomfortable, lacking the subtlety and nuance needed to navigate such sensitive subject matter. In its quest for laughs, the story sacrifices depth and authenticity, resulting in a comedy that feels hollow and uninspired.

As the story unfolds, it becomes increasingly apparent that French Girl is more concerned with ticking off items on the rom-com checklist than crafting a compelling narrative. Viewers are subjected to tired tropes and predictable plot twists, leaving little room for genuine emotion or character growth. Even the film’s attempts at cultural commentary fall flat, relying on superficial stereotypes rather than offering any meaningful insight. The clash between Gordon’s Brooklyn upbringing and Sophie’s Québécois roots feels forced, serving as little more than a backdrop for rote jokes about cultural differences.

Ultimately, French Girl is a forgettable addition to the romantic comedy genre that never quite rises to the occasion. While the performances are decent and the scenic backdrop of Quebec City adds visual appeal, the film is let down by a lackluster script and a failure to capitalize on its potential. In a genre that thrives on heart and humor, this effort falls short, leaving audiences with a lukewarm feeling and a desire for something more fulfilling. Perhaps it’s time to bid farewell to the clichés of rom-coms past and embark on a quest for fresher storytelling. Until then, we’ll have to settle for the crumbs left behind by films like French Girl—a disappointing dish that leaves us craving a richer cinematic experience.

French Girl is currently playing in select theaters and is available on Digital platforms courtesy of Paramount. 

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3i6de-RF3uA]