“Paris Can Wait” (Comedy/Romance: 1 hour, 32 minutes)

Starring: Diane Lane, Arnaud Viard and Alec Baldwin

Director: Eleanor Coppola

Rated: PG (Strong language and thematic elements)

Movie Review: “Paris Can Wait” is better than its European title, “Bonjour Anne.”

The romantic comedy gives audiences a tour of France through the arts: cuisine, architecture, paints, films and music. The relaxed French lifestyle towards life and romance is also a part of the showcase. However, its two main characters can be irritating.

Anne Lockwood (Lane) and her husband, Michael Lockwood (Baldwin), a workaholic movie producer, are in Cannes, France. They plan to meet in Paris after Michael checks on a screenplay production in another country. Meanwhile, Jacques Clément (Viard), Michael’s business associate, unexpectedly becomes Anne’s chauffeur.

The two travel by car from Cannes to Paris. What should be a six- to eight-hour trip becomes nearly two days of travel, as Jacques keeps deviating, taking Anne on site-seeing tours of interesting locales. Along, the way Anne finds a new passion for life.

Audiences see the sites, culture and arts of France. The best of these is food. This romcom constantly parades food across the screen for its audiences. Viewers may want to visit France after this or just go out to eat somewhere fast when the movie is over.

When the food and sites fade, audiences have Anne and Jacques. She takes pictures of everything, especially the food. Minus chocolate, one can never tell if she likes what she is eating. Jacques adores food.

In one scene, he tells Anne that the French eat what they like, not worrying about calories, et cetera. They both adore site-seeing, and they take us along for the ride.

The problem is they appear to be the types that would annoy each other. He wants to talk about everything he encounters and she just wants to take in the moment as it is.

At first, they do not appear to understand each other. She wants to get to Paris and he is in no hurry. She says Paris and he wants to take a detour.

The back and forth fades as the scenes and food of French culture soon fascinate viewers who appreciate an adventure. This is where the movie scores major accolades with its audience. The adventure of leisure travel in a domestic or foreign destination is enough to make a trip worthy often.

The same is true here but “Paris Can Wait’s” stars are too mild occasionally and like sandpaper other moments.

Grade: C+ (Enjoyable sites and food but the travel companions are slight at times.)